The Lunch Hour with Washington Signal

The Federal Newswire
  • 5.0 (5)
  • News
  • Updated Weekly

The Lunch Hour with Washington Signal 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. 

  1. Jul 27

    Ep. 194 - Consumer Choice, AI, Tariffs & the Future of Innovation w/Stephen Kent

    How can policymakers protect consumers without stifling innovation? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Stephen Kent, Media Director at the Consumer Choice Center, for a wide-ranging discussion on consumer freedom, technology policy, global regulation, tariffs, prediction markets, and the role of popular culture in shaping public discourse. Kent explains how the Consumer Choice Center advocates for policies that expand consumer access, encourage innovation, and challenge regulations that increase costs or limit choice. Drawing on the organization's international presence, he also discusses how regulatory decisions in Europe often influence policy debates in the United States. The conversation covers: Consumer choice and the growing influence of European regulationAI, innovation, and the precautionary principlePublic health policy, harm reduction, and nicotine regulationTariffs, trade policy, and housing affordabilityPrediction markets and emerging financial regulationsStar Wars, storytelling, and Stephen Kent's booksThe discussion also explores the role of international organizations in shaping alcohol policy, the debate over lab-grown meat, and how governments can encourage innovation while maintaining appropriate consumer protections. 00:00 — Intro + Meet Stephen Kent 01:07 — What is the Consumer Choice Center? 04:13 — The new prohibition movement 10:16 — Europe's regulatory influence on America 15:13 — Harm reduction and nicotine policy 22:17 — Tariffs, trade, and consumer prices 30:29 — Prediction markets explained 39:33 — Star Wars, storytelling, and philosophy 47:56 — Stephen's books and Geeky Stoics 49:08 — Where to learn more 50:05 — Closing remarks Watch Full-Length Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Lunchhour_FNW

  2. Jul 27

    Ep. 195 - America's Chemical Industry: Innovation, AI & Manufacturing Competitiveness

    How can the United States strengthen manufacturing, accelerate innovation, and remain globally competitive? On this special episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with three leaders from the American Chemistry Council's Competitiveness Summit for a series of conversations on the future of American manufacturing, energy, innovation, and regulatory policy. Featured guests include Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council; Peter Huntsman, Chairman, President and CEO of Huntsman Corporation; and Rebecca Liebert, President and CEO of Lubrizol Corporation. Together, the guests discuss why the chemical industry serves as the foundation for countless American industries—from semiconductors and AI to healthcare, transportation, defense, and consumer products—and what policymakers can do to ensure the United States remains a global leader in manufacturing. The conversation covers: America's manufacturing competitiveness and supply chain resilienceAI, advanced materials, and the future of industrial innovationRegulatory reform, permitting, and the need for science-based policyEnergy policy, data centers, and growing electricity demandGlobal competition with China and lessons from EuropeThe role of chemistry in powering America's next generation of growthThe discussion also explores how artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing, accelerating scientific research, improving chemical safety assessments, and helping companies develop new products faster than ever before. Throughout the episode, the guests explain why modern chemistry touches nearly every aspect of daily life and argue that balanced regulation, abundant energy, and continued innovation will be critical to maintaining America's competitive advantage for decades to come. 00:00 — Intro & American Chemistry Council Competitiveness Summit 01:50 — Chris Jahn: America's chemical industry today 08:38 — Regulatory reform and permitting challenges 11:13 — AI, innovation, and the future of chemistry 16:03 — Peter Huntsman on manufacturing competitiveness 20:20 — Energy policy, AI, and global competition 24:43 — Rebecca Liebert on specialty chemicals and innovation 27:47 — Science-based regulation and permitting reform 30:06 — The future of chemistry in America 31:24 — Closing remarks Watch Full-Length Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Lunchhour_FNW

  3. Jul 27

    Ep. 196 - Tariffs, Regulation & the Future of Free Markets w/Ryan Young

    Can the United States reduce regulation, strengthen its economy, and remain competitive while preserving free markets? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer welcomes Ryan Young, Senior Economist and Director of Publications at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), for a wide-ranging discussion on tariffs, regulatory reform, AI, energy policy, and the future of economic growth in America. Young explains how tariffs, regulatory uncertainty, and government intervention affect businesses, consumers, and long-term investment decisions. He also discusses why stable policy matters for economic growth, the importance of transparency in rulemaking, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence could reshape both innovation and government oversight. The conversation covers: Tariffs, trade policy, and the economics of protectionismRegulatory reform and limiting agency overreachJobs, productivity, and long-term economic growthThe Jones Act, LNG exports, and national securityAI, regulatory compliance, and government enforcementThe future of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)The discussion also explores supply chain resilience, free trade versus national security, regulatory "dark matter," David Boaz's legacy, and why thoughtful, limited government can foster innovation while protecting economic opportunity. 00:00 — Intro & Meet Ryan Young 03:26 — Agency power and regulatory reform 06:03 — Tariffs and free markets 13:14 — Jobs, productivity, and economic growth 14:48 — LNG exports and energy policy 16:06 — The Jones Act debate 20:50 — National security and free trade 23:18 — Reforming the Administrative Procedure Act 29:22 — AI, regulation, and compliance 34:26 — Regulations of the week 37:19 — Remembering David Boaz 40:37 — Where to learn more 41:14 — Closing remarks Watch Full-Length Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Lunchhour_FNW

  4. Jun 29

    Ep. 193 - Reviving New York Through Free Markets & Growth w/Caroline Shinkle

    Can New York reclaim its position as the world's premier center of opportunity and economic growth? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Caroline Shinkle, Republican candidate for New York's 12th Congressional District. A graduate of MIT and Harvard Law School, Shinkle previously worked at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, bringing a unique blend of legal, economic, and financial expertise to the conversation. Shinkle discusses her vision for New York City, arguing that economic empowerment, fiscal responsibility, and pro-growth policies can restore opportunity while strengthening America's financial capital. The conversation covers: Reviving New York through free-market economic policiesBalancing the federal budget and addressing the national debtAI, innovation, and the future of governmentAmerica's role in global energy and foreign policyThe challenges facing New York City and its futureThroughout the discussion, Shinkle shares how her background in economics, law, and finance has shaped her views on public policy, while emphasizing the importance of individual opportunity, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic growth. 00:00 — Intro + Meet Caroline Shinkle 01:03 — Why she's running for Congress 03:17 — Economic empowerment and free markets 10:13 — Balancing the budget and lowering taxes 13:07 — Is New York better off today? 18:52 — Lessons from New York's past 25:16 — AI and the future of government 32:01 — Energy policy and America's global role 37:21 — Life outside politics 39:55 — Campaign, website, and closing thoughts Watch Full-Length Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Lunchhour_FNW

  5. Jun 15

    Ep. 191 - Taxes, Free Markets & the Future of Conservatism w/Grover Norquist

    What happens when political movements abandon the principles that made them successful? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Grover Norquist, founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), for a wide-ranging conversation on free markets, limited government, federalism, taxation, trade, labor policy, and the future of the conservative movement. Drawing on decades of experience in public policy and political advocacy, Norquist discusses why ideological consistency remains essential, how federalism serves as one of America's greatest strengths, and why he believes economic freedom continues to outperform centralized government planning. The conversation covers: • The importance of principle-driven policymaking • Limited government and the role of federalism • Tax reform and the Taxpayer Protection Pledge • Organized labor and worker freedom • The East Palestine rail derailment and rail policy debates • Government regulation and unintended consequences • Tariffs, free trade, and industrial policy • Artificial intelligence and regulatory challenges • California’s wealth tax proposal and interstate competition • Energy policy, nuclear power, and economic growth • Property taxes and local government spending Norquist also reflects on the evolution of the conservative movement, the importance of maintaining intellectual consistency in public policy debates, and why he believes competition among states helps drive innovation, growth, and accountability. Throughout the discussion, he argues that government solutions often become larger and more permanent than the problems they were intended to solve, while market-based approaches tend to produce better outcomes for workers, consumers, and taxpayers. The episode concludes with a look at future policy battles at the federal, state, and local levels, along with a personal discussion about history and travel. 00:00 — Intro + Grover Norquist joins 01:27 — Why principles matter in politics 05:20 — Bipartisanship versus philosophy 09:01 — The Taxpayer Protection Pledge 12:01 — Labor unions and worker freedom 14:43 — The East Palestine rail debate 18:50 — Government responses to crises 22:22 — Tariffs, trade, and industrial policy 26:55 — Federalism and state competition 27:22 — Artificial intelligence and regulation 30:42 — California’s wealth tax proposal 35:23 — Energy policy and nuclear power 39:32 — Grover Norquist’s interests outside politics 40:23 — Property taxes and local government reform 41:32 — Closing thoughts Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/ Watch Full-Length Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Lunchhour_FNW

  6. Jun 11

    Ep. 188 - Tariffs, Food Security & the Future of American Manufacturing w/Scott Breen

    How does a tariff on steel end up affecting the price of canned food at the grocery store? On this episode of the Federal Newswire Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Scott Breen, President of the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), to discuss the intersection of trade policy, food security, manufacturing, and consumer prices. Breen explains how steel tariffs are impacting the American food can supply chain, why domestic tinplate steel production has declined dramatically over the past decade, and what that means for farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. The conversation explores a fundamental policy question: how can the United States strengthen domestic manufacturing while avoiding unintended consequences that increase costs for American families? Major topics include: • The role canned food plays in food security and emergency preparedness • Why U.S. tinplate steel production has fallen from 12 lines to 3 • How steel tariffs affect food prices at the grocery store • Competition from imported canned food products • Buy American policies and country-of-origin labeling • SNAP benefits, public procurement, and domestic agriculture • Supply chain resilience and national security concerns • Recycling, sustainability, and the future of metal packaging The discussion also examines bipartisan legislation designed to improve country-of-origin labeling and proposals aimed at ensuring federal food purchases better support American farmers and manufacturers. Throughout the episode, Breen argues that strengthening domestic manufacturing requires a balanced approach—one that supports upstream steel production while also protecting downstream industries that employ thousands of American workers. 00:00 — Intro + Scott Breen joins 01:25 — What the Can Manufacturers Institute does 02:42 — Food security and the importance of canned goods 04:08 — Steel tariffs and rising grocery prices 05:11 — Why domestic tinplate production declined 09:19 — Manufacturing jobs and downstream impacts 10:58 — Imported canned foods and competitive disadvantages 14:48 — American farmers and the food supply chain 17:14 — SNAP benefits and Buy American policies 20:08 — The American CANS Act explained 21:34 — Food security, sustainability, and preparedness 27:05 — What consumers and lawmakers can do 29:18 — Scott Breen’s interests outside work 30:06 — Where to learn more about CMI 31:05 — Closing Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/ Watch Full-Length Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Lunchhour_FNW

  7. Jun 11

    Ep. 189 - Aluminum, China, & America’s Supply Chain Future w/Anthony Musto & Ben Carlson

    How can a recycled soda can become a national security issue? On this episode of the Washington Signal's Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer is joined by Anthony Musto, North American Strategy & Growth Lead at Constellium, and Ben Carlson, Director of the Center for Strategic Industrial Materials at SAFE, for a discussion on aluminum manufacturing, recycling, supply chains, and the growing competition between the United States and China. The conversation explores why aluminum remains one of the most important materials in the modern economy and how recycling infrastructure has become increasingly tied to economic security, energy policy, manufacturing competitiveness, and national defense. Major topics include: • Why aluminum is critical to transportation, aerospace, energy, and defense • The economic and energy benefits of aluminum recycling • America’s growing dependence on imported aluminum inputs • Chinese industrial policy and global aluminum markets • Why millions of tons of aluminum scrap leave the U.S. each year • Supply chain resilience, national security, and critical materials • Recycling infrastructure and sorting technology challenges • The role of permitting reform and industrial policy • Building a stronger domestic manufacturing base The discussion also examines how China has expanded its aluminum production and recycling capacity, why U.S. manufacturers are concerned about scrap exports, and what policymakers can do to strengthen domestic supply chains. Throughout the episode, both guests argue that aluminum recycling should be viewed not simply as an environmental issue, but as an economic and strategic opportunity that can support American manufacturing, reduce energy consumption, and improve supply chain security. 00:00 — Intro + Meet Anthony Musto and Ben Carlson 01:39 — What Constellium does 02:43 — SAFE and strategic industrial materials 03:28 — Why aluminum matters to the modern economy 05:14 — The power of aluminum recycling 06:18 — Manufacturing jobs and economic impact 07:39 — The aluminum scrap export problem 10:00 — AI, energy demand, and supply chain security 11:58 — Why recycling infrastructure matters 16:30 — Permitting reform and recycling facilities 20:21 — Aluminum, energy use, and facility footprints 23:23 — Policy solutions and domestic investment 26:32 — Sorting technology and recycling innovation 30:11 — China’s influence on aluminum markets 33:15 — What policymakers should do next 35:14 — Outside interests and personal stories 37:31 — Closing thoughts Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/ Watch Full-Length Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Lunchhour_FNW

  8. Jun 11

    Ep. 190 - Parents’ Rights, Education Reform & Defending Education w/Nicole Neily

    What happens when parents finally get a firsthand look at what their children are being taught in school? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Nicole Neily, President and Founder of Defending Education, a national organization focused on parental rights, academic transparency, and accountability in K-12 and higher education. Prior to founding Defending Education, Neily also founded Speech First, a leading campus free speech organization that challenged First Amendment violations at public universities. Drawing on years of work in education policy and civil liberties, Neily discusses how COVID-era school closures transformed the national debate over education and why parental involvement has become one of the defining policy issues of the past decade. The conversation covers: • The rise of the parental rights movement • COVID-19 and the public’s renewed focus on education • The history and role of the U.S. Department of Education • Teachers unions and their influence on public policy • School choice and educational competition • DEI programs in K-12 and higher education • Campus free speech and Speech First’s legal battles • Accreditation agencies and higher education reform • The future of colleges and universities amid declining enrollment • Parental notification policies and transparency in schools • State-level education reforms and the role of federalism Neily also explains the origins of Defending Education, how the organization investigates school policies and curricula, and why she believes many parents have become more engaged in education than ever before. The discussion explores broader questions about accountability, educational outcomes, bureaucratic growth, and whether America’s education system is preparing students for future success. Throughout the episode, Neily argues that meaningful reform will require greater transparency, stronger parental involvement, and a renewed focus on academic achievement rather than ideological activism. 00:00 — Intro + Nicole Neily joins 01:00 — Why education became a national issue 03:05 — How America’s education system changed 06:06 — Declining academic standards and outcomes 07:25 — Schools of education and ideological influence 10:33 — Founding Defending Education 13:13 — COVID, parents, and public awareness 17:24 — Teachers unions and political influence 19:30 — School choice and education reform 23:20 — Why some states are improving outcomes 26:00 — Trump administration education reforms 29:31 — Accreditation and higher education 34:25 — Campus free speech and Speech First 37:25 — Current battles in K-12 education 40:08 — Travel, family, and personal interests 40:36 — Where to learn more about Defending Education 41:12 — Closing thoughts Follow us on social media X: @TheLunchHourPod Instagram: the_lunchhour_pod LinkedIn: Lunch Hour Podcast TikTok: lunchhourpod   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/ Watch Full-Length Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Lunchhour_FNW

See All (223)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Lunch Hour with Washington Signal 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. 

Information