Cato Podcast

Jeff Singer and Michael Fox highlight the destructive parallels between alcohol prohibition and today's drug war. They discuss how both policies fuel black markets and empower violent traffickers. The conversation critiques government actions that increase risks, like poor policing practices and moralistic drug policies. They address the racial disparities in enforcement and advocate for harm reduction strategies, such as safe consumption sites and clean-syringe programs. The episode suggests that legalization can undermine cartels and emphasizes the need for a consistent, liberty-based approach to substance use.

John Early, a Cato adjunct scholar specializing in federal spending, and Terence Kealey, a clinical biochemistry professor and science policy advocate, delve into the National Institutes of Health's misalignment with its health mission. They argue that the shift from mission-led funding to basic science has hindered health improvements and crowded out private research innovation. Key issues discussed include inefficiencies in grant prioritization, the detrimental focus on underfunded diseases, and the need for reform towards measurable health outcomes.

Marian Tupy, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity and founder of HumanProgress.org, joins Ryan Bourne to explore holiday affordability. They dive into how Thanksgiving dinner costs dropped 5%, thanks to time-price analysis showing goods are becoming more abundant. Tupy introduces the American Abundance Index, revealing blue-collar workers are seeing significant gains. Despite inflation concerns, they discuss why people feel worse and the importance of market reforms in sustaining living standards. Tupy also highlights advances in medical technology and celebrates the opportunities in the USA.

Travis Fisher, a seasoned energy policy expert with two decades of experience, dives into the complexities of climate policy. He debunks the 'climate homicide' narrative, arguing that increased energy access, primarily from fossil fuels, enhances resilience against climate threats. Travis explores the true carbon impact of electric vehicles, revealing trade-offs in emissions based on energy sources. He advocates for permitting reform to streamline infrastructure projects, highlighting the need for market competition free from excessive mandates.

Chris Edwards, a fiscal studies scholar at the Cato Institute, dives into the complex world of FEMA and its unintended consequences. He highlights how federal disaster aid encourages risky development in flood-prone areas, turning FEMA into a subsidy machine rather than a responsive aid organization. The discussion critiques the National Flood Insurance Program and reveals how bureaucratic hurdles can hinder effective disaster response. Edwards argues for returning responsibilities to states and warns against the federal expansion that undermines private charity and local efforts.

Michael F. Cannon, Director of Health Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, and Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy, dive deep into the ramifications of the recent 43-day government shutdown. They discuss the contentious focus on Obamacare subsidies for high earners and examine the frailty of federal systems like SNAP and air traffic control. The conversation highlights the perils of centralized control and the need for decentralized solutions to prevent future shutdowns, offering insights on potential budgetary reforms and political dynamics.

Brandan P. Buck, a research associate at the Cato Institute with expertise in defense and foreign policy, joins the discussion on U.S. military posturing in Venezuela. They dissect the shifting justifications for intervention, highlighting dubious drug claims and the risks of regime change. Buck critiques the reliance on airstrikes without local support and warns of repeating past mistakes like in Libya. They also ponder the potential fallout on migration and governance post-Maduro, emphasizing the complexities of American intervention.

Brent Skorup, a legal fellow at the Cato Institute with expertise in constitutional law, joins Scott Lincicome to unpack a groundbreaking Supreme Court case on Trump's fentanyl tariffs. They tackle the implications of emergency tariffs on executive power and the constitutional separation of powers. Key discussions include the lack of procedural safeguards in the tariff system, the significance of Justice Gorsuch's probing questions, and the potential for Congress to reclaim its authority. With a broad coalition backing the importers, they share cautious optimism for a favorable outcome.

Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute, dives into the implications of the recent government shutdown. She highlights how the shutdown is used as political leverage, with the overlooked reality that federal workers are becoming collateral in negotiations. Boccia discusses the shocking scope of ACA subsidies benefiting high earners and the potential of $1.5 trillion in deficit spending. She also proposes long-term solutions like privatizing certain federal functions to tackle rising debt and inflation.

The impact of U.S. steel protectionism costs a staggering $650,000 per job saved, demonstrating the inefficacy of tariffs. Historical trends reveal a long-term decline in the steel industry despite decades of protective measures. Buy American rules add financial burdens while failing to ensure competitiveness. Recent disputes over acquisitions spotlight political and economic ramifications. The hosts suggest market-oriented solutions to revitalize the industry, advocating for reforms in trade practices and regulations.