
The Lunch Hour with Federal Newswire
The Lunch Hour with Federal Newswire covers wide-ranging discussions with the Capitol city's policy movers, shakers, and thinkers. The Lunch Hour provides a unique look at the people behind the policy debates that are moving in DC.
Latest episodes

Jun 17, 2025 • 11min
Regulators Gone Rogue: How the REINS Act Defends Property Rights and the Constitution w/ Margaret Byfield
Margaret Byfield pulls no punches in this deep dive into how unelected bureaucrats hijack Congressional intent through sprawling regulations—from the Endangered Species Act to BLM’s conservation leases. As executive director of American Stewards of Liberty, Byfield lays out how ranchers and landowners are being steamrolled by rulemaking that rewrites the law, bypasses accountability, and weaponizes environmental policy. The REINS Act, she argues, is not radical—it's just common sense: put lawmaking back in the hands of the people’s representatives.📢 Learn more:REINS Act Resources: www.rainsact.com

Jun 17, 2025 • 16min
$4 Trillion in Red Tape: Why Congress Must Reclaim Regulatory Power w/Dan Goldbeck
Dan Goldbeck breaks down the $4 trillion price tag of America’s regulatory state—and how the REINS Act would flip the script. With only 2.5% of rules classified as “major,” Goldbeck reveals just how little oversight Congress has over massive economic decisions. This episode gets into paperwork burdens, small business costs, and why even Democrats should support the Act if they care about checks and balances.📢 Learn more:REINS Act Resources: www.rainsact.comFollow Dan Goldbeck on X (formerly Twitter): @DtheGman

Jun 17, 2025 • 11min
Regulation is Bankrupting Us: Why the REINS Act Could Save Trillions w/ Matthew Jensen
Matthew Jensen drops a fiscal truth bomb: regulation is driving up the federal deficit by trillions—and no one at the CBO wants to talk about it. He explains how burdensome rules lower GDP, drive up government spending, and force taxpayers to foot the bill. The REINS Act could be the budget-cutting tool Congress refuses to use. Must-watch for anyone concerned with debt, deficits, and runaway government spending.📢 Learn more:REINS Act Resources: www.rainsact.com

Jun 17, 2025 • 13min
Regulation Without Representation: How the REINS Act Fixes the Power Imbalance w/ Ryan Young
Senior economist Ryan Young argues the REINS Act is about more than rules—it's about restoring the U.S. Constitution’s balance of powers. With 3,000+ regulations passed every year and barely 100 bills from Congress, unelected bureaucrats are making laws. He discusses regulatory “dark matter,” the myth of cost-free rules, and why both parties should want oversight. A must-hear for anyone tired of Washington passing the buck.📢 Learn more:REINS Act Resources: www.rainsact.com

Jun 17, 2025 • 11min
The Supreme Court, Chevron, and the Fight to REIN in the Bureaucrats w/ Ilya Shapiro
Ilya Shapiro, constitutional scholar and author, connects the REINS Act to a broader legal battle over separation of powers. He explains how courts have become the battleground for runaway regulation—and how Congress needs to step up. From Chevron deference to “regulatory dark matter,” this conversation is essential for anyone who cares about due process, democratic accountability, and restoring constitutional balance.📢 Learn more:REINS Act Resources: www.rainsact.com

Jun 16, 2025 • 15min
Can Congress Rein in the Regulatory State? Clyde Wayne Crews Jr. on the REINS Act
In this special episode of The Lunch Hour, host Andrew Langer sits down with Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Fred L. Smith Fellow in Regulatory Policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, to unpack the REINS Act and why it matters now more than ever. From $3 trillion in hidden regulatory costs to the erosion of congressional authority, Crews makes the case for rebalancing power and restoring accountability in Washington. Tune in for a no-nonsense look at why the administrative state may be America’s most expensive crisis—and what must be done to stop it.📢 Learn more:REINS Act Resources: rainsact.comFollow Clyde Wayne Crews Jr. on X (formerly Twitter): @wayne_crews

Jun 16, 2025 • 13min
How the REINS Act Could Rein in Executive Power with Phil Kerpen
In this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour, host Andrew Langer sits down with Phil Kerpen, President of American Commitment and a leading advocate for the REINS Act (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny). Phil shares the fascinating origin story of the REINS Act, its potential to restore constitutional balance, and why limiting unchecked executive power is crucial for a stable economy and effective governance.Kerpen explains how the REINS Act would require congressional approval for major federal regulations, potentially saving taxpayers billions and curbing regulatory overreach. If you care about restoring the legislative power of Congress and reducing the regulatory burden on businesses and families, this is a must-listen conversation.📢 Learn more:American Commitment: www.americancommitment.orgREINS Act Resources: www.rainsact.comUnleash Prosperity Newsletter: www.unleashprosperity.comFollow Phil Kerpen on X (formerly Twitter): @kerpen

Jun 16, 2025 • 36min
Ep. 140 - Rick Santorum
Former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Rick Santorum joins Andrew Langer on the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour podcast to discuss the importance of strengthening the nuclear family, the role of faith in American life, and how public policy can support families rather than undermine them. They cover topics like child tax credits, paid family leave, welfare reform, and the cultural shifts impacting marriage and parenting. Santorum also shares personal reflections on fatherhood, grandparenting, and building lasting family legacies.👉 Learn more about Rick Santorum’s work at PatriotVoices.com💬 Join the conversation on X: @LunchHourPod🎧 Subscribe to the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour

Jun 9, 2025 • 40min
Ep. 139 - Donald Kochan
Donald Kochan, a Professor of Law at Antonin Scalia Law School and Executive Director of the Law and Economics Center, discusses the vital role of property rights in securing individual autonomy and economic prosperity. He delves into regulatory takings and the concept of 'involuntary regulatory servitude.' The conversation highlights the ongoing lawsuits in Louisiana against oil companies, exploring the issues of retroactive liability and third-party litigation funding, while shedding light on the broader implications for environmental justice.

Jun 2, 2025 • 39min
Ep. 138 - Leslie Knight
Dr. Leslie Knight, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and family physician, joins Andrew Langer on the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour to discuss military medicine, meritocracy, mentorship, and telehealth. With over three decades of service, Dr. Knight shares insights on leadership, bias in the workplace, and the future of healthcare access—plus her incredible personal story of ultra-marathons, cycling, and building her dream car.