The Lunch Hour with Washington Signal

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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. 1d ago

    Ep. 211 - What America Can Learn From Canada's Healthcare System w/Dr. Jay Goldberg

    Is America moving toward the same healthcare problems facing Canada? Dr. Jay Goldberg, North American Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center, joins Andrew Langer on the Washington Signal's Lunch Hour to examine the growing role of government in healthcare, the importance of consumer choice, and the consequences of policies that restrict competition. A political scientist with undergraduate and doctoral degrees from the University of Toronto, Goldberg brings a Canadian perspective to the debate over American healthcare policy. He explains how Canada's government-funded healthcare system has contributed to lengthy wait times, physician shortages, and challenges attracting and retaining medical professionals. The conversation begins by examining the difference between health insurance and healthcare itself. Goldberg argues that confusing the two can lead to policies that prioritize controlling expenditures over improving patient access and outcomes. Andrew and Jay also discuss the financial pressures facing physicians, including medical school debt, reimbursement rates, and the costs of operating a medical practice. Goldberg shares examples from Canada to illustrate how government payment systems can affect physicians' decisions about where to practice medicine. The discussion then turns to pharmaceutical innovation and the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications. Goldberg examines how competition between drug manufacturers can lower prices, why government subsidies may obscure the actual costs of treatment, and how pricing policies could affect the development and availability of new medicines. They also explore the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, the Trump administration's proposed Most Favored Nation approach to pharmaceutical pricing, and the potential consequences of tying American drug prices to those paid in other countries. Throughout the conversation, Goldberg emphasizes the importance of market competition, consumer choice, and policies that encourage medical innovation rather than discourage investment. Finally, the discussion moves beyond healthcare to energy policy. With artificial intelligence and data centers driving growing electricity demand, Goldberg makes the case for an energy-abundance strategy that includes oil, natural gas, nuclear power, and economically viable renewable energy sources. Can the United States expand healthcare access, lower costs, and maintain its leadership in medical innovation without sacrificing consumer choice? Join Andrew Langer and Dr. Jay Goldberg for a discussion about healthcare reform, pharmaceutical competition, and the policies shaping the future of American consumers. 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Jay Goldberg 01:47 - What Is the Consumer Choice Center? 03:06 - Healthcare vs. Health Insurance: Why the Difference Matters 05:23 - Physician Shortages and Canada's Healthcare System 09:00 - Medical School Debt and Government Reimbursement 13:20 - GLP-1 Drugs, Medicare and Government Subsidies 15:04 - Drug Prices, Copays and Pharmaceutical Competition 20:59 - Why Competition Matters Across Industries 24:45 - The 340B Drug Pricing Program 26:51 - Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing and Patient Access 30:24 - Energy Abundance, Data Centers and America's Energy Future 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/

    Ep. 211 - What America Can Learn From Canada's Healthcare System w/Dr. Jay Goldberg

  2. Oct 26

    Ep. 210 - Drug Prices, Patents & America's Innovation Economy w/Andrei Iancu

    Are America's intellectual property protections strong enough to keep the United States at the forefront of global innovation? And what happens when government policies make it harder for inventors, entrepreneurs, and pharmaceutical companies to protect their discoveries? Andrei Iancu, former Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, and co-founder of the Council for Innovation Promotion, joins Andrew Langer on the Washington Signal Lunch Hour to discuss the importance of intellectual property rights, the future of American innovation, and the growing competition between the United States and China. In recognition of Intellectual Property Month, Iancu explains why America's founders included intellectual property protections in the Constitution and how those protections helped establish the United States as a global leader in technological advancement. From Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell to modern computing and pharmaceutical research, he examines the relationship between patent protections, private investment, and economic prosperity. The conversation explores the Bayh–Dole Act and its role in allowing universities and research institutions to commercialize inventions developed through federally funded research. Iancu discusses why partnerships between government and private industry are essential to bringing new technologies and medical treatments to market. Andrew and Andrei also examine the economics of pharmaceutical innovation, including the enormous investments required to develop new drugs, the importance of patent exclusivity, and the potential consequences of government price controls. They discuss how the American patent system balances incentives for new drug development with public access to affordable generic medications, including the role of the Hatch–Waxman Act and the transition from brand-name pharmaceuticals to generics. Beyond pharmaceuticals, Iancu raises concerns about the influence of large technology companies on intellectual property policy and the challenges facing startups, independent inventors, and smaller businesses attempting to compete with established corporations. Finally, the conversation turns to China's growing technological ambitions and why Iancu believes maintaining strong intellectual property protections is essential to America's economic competitiveness and national security. From patent law and pharmaceutical research to entrepreneurship and international competition, this episode examines how intellectual property rights shape America's innovation economy and why the future of American technological leadership may depend on protecting the next generation of inventors. Watch the Washington Signal Lunch Hour with Andrew Langer for an in-depth conversation about intellectual property, innovation, and America's competitive future. 00:00 - Introduction to Andrei Iancu 01:43 - Why Intellectual Property Rights Matter 04:30 - Property Rights, Innovation and the American Dream 07:40 - America's History of Innovation 10:25 - How Big Companies Affect Patent Protections 12:53 - The Bayh-Dole Act and University Research 17:30 - Public-Private Partnerships and Pharmaceutical Innovation 21:29 - Drug Development Costs and Patent Protections 24:08 - Drug Prices, Government Controls and Innovation 27:13 - Generic Drugs and the Hatch-Waxman Act 31:08 - Big Tech, China and America's Innovation Future 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/

    Ep. 210 - Drug Prices, Patents & America's Innovation Economy w/Andrei Iancu

  3. Oct 19

    Ep. 209 - Are Tech Regulations Threatening Your Privacy & Freedom? w/Caden Rosenbaum

    Are government regulations designed to protect Americans online actually putting their privacy and freedoms at greater risk? Caden Rosenbaum, Managing Director of Technology Policy at the Reason Foundation, joins Andrew Langer on the Washington Signal's Lunch Hour podcast to discuss the growing debate over technology regulation, online privacy, government surveillance, and the future of digital freedom. Rosenbaum shares his journey from accounting to technology policy and explains how concerns over artificial intelligence, online child safety, and emerging technologies have fueled increasingly aggressive regulatory proposals. The conversation examines the unintended consequences of government intervention and the challenge of developing policies that protect consumers without unnecessarily restricting innovation. Andrew and Caden explore the expanding use of surveillance cameras, artificial intelligence, and private-sector data by law enforcement, raising questions about Fourth Amendment protections and the balance between public safety and personal privacy. The discussion also examines age verification laws for social media platforms and app stores. Rosenbaum argues that requirements intended to protect children could force companies to collect even more sensitive personal information, creating new cybersecurity risks. He outlines an alternative approach that would give parents greater control without requiring widespread collection of personal identification and biometric data. Finally, the conversation turns to federalism and the growing influence of state governments over national technology policy. Rosenbaum discusses California's impact on legislation across the country, the challenges of conflicting state regulations, and his experiences developing technology policies in Utah. From government surveillance and online safety to cybersecurity and constitutional rights, this episode explores how policymakers can balance innovation, individual liberty, and legitimate public safety concerns. The interview concludes earlier than planned due to a network disruption, with Andrew sharing his closing thoughts and hopes of welcoming Caden back for a future conversation. 00:00 — Introduction to Caden Rosenbaum  03:17 — From Accounting to Technology Policy  05:44 — Growing Concerns Over Tech Regulation  08:05 — Innovation, Energy & Unintended Consequences  10:36 — Government Surveillance & the Fourth Amendment  14:56 — Balancing Public Safety and Privacy  17:28 — Age Verification Laws & Children's Privacy  19:36 — Biometric Data & Digital Privacy Risks  21:43 — Cybersecurity Threats & Data Breaches  22:46 — Federalism & State Technology Regulation  24:33 — Simplifying Laws & Protecting Gig Workers  25:48 — Age Verification & Constitutional Questions  27:19 — California's Influence on National Tech Policy  29:13 — Why State Policy Matters  30:54 — Network Disruption & Andrew's Closing Thoughts  32:32 — Closing Credits 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/

    Ep. 209 - Are Tech Regulations Threatening Your Privacy & Freedom? w/Caden Rosenbaum

  4. Oct 15

    Ep. 208 - Colorado's Political Shift, Energy Crisis & Medicaid Spending w/Jon Caldara

    Jon Caldara, President of the Independence Institute, joins Andrew Langer on the Lunch Hour podcast to discuss Colorado's changing political landscape, government regulation, energy policy, and the growing costs of state government. Caldara examines Colorado's transformation from a state known for its libertarian traditions and entrepreneurial spirit into one he argues is increasingly dominated by government intervention. The conversation explores restrictions on firearms and tobacco products, the state's changing political demographics, and the growing influence of unaffiliated voters. Andrew and Jon also discuss Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the future of the state's Republican and Democratic parties, and whether independent candidates could offer voters an alternative. Caldara shares his thoughts on upcoming ballot initiatives, including proposals involving energy, hunting rights, and transgender-related policies. The conversation then turns to Colorado's energy future, with a focus on natural gas restrictions, electricity reliability, renewable energy, nuclear power, and the unintended consequences of government mandates. Finally, Caldara discusses the rapid growth of Medicaid spending in Colorado, its implications for the state budget, and his personal concerns about maintaining services for people with disabilities. The episode concludes with stories from his earlier career as a political cartoonist and concert lighting technician, including his experiences working with well-known musicians. From state politics and government spending to energy independence and personal freedom, this episode explores the challenges facing Colorado and the broader debate over the proper role of government. 00:00 — Introduction to Jon Caldara  02:17 — The Independence Institute & Colorado Regulations  04:11 — Tobacco Restrictions & Government Inconsistency  06:52 — Colorado's Changing Libertarian Identity  07:39 — A Political Gathering with Al Gore  09:34 — Colorado's Independent Voters  11:45 — Jared Polis & Libertarian Politics  14:25 — Migration & Colorado's Changing Demographics  17:09 — Colorado's Upcoming Ballot Initiatives  19:45 — Can Libertarians Win Elections?  22:13 — Colorado's Next Governor & Political Future  26:28 — Housing Affordability & Energy Policy  29:28 — Electricity Reliability & Battery Storage  32:18 — Nuclear Power & Energy Independence  34:51 — Colorado's Growing Medicaid Spending  38:08 — Jon Caldara's Political Cartooning Career  39:53 — Working with Famous Musicians  41:55 — Independence Institute & 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/

    Ep. 208 - Colorado's Political Shift, Energy Crisis & Medicaid Spending w/Jon Caldara

  5. Oct 5

    Ep. 207 - Government Waste, Healthcare Spending & the $40 Trillion Debt w/Tom Schatz

    Tom Schatz, President of Citizens Against Government Waste, joins Andrew Langer on the Lunch Hour podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about federal spending, healthcare policy and the challenge of cutting government waste. Schatz discusses pork-barrel spending and congressional earmarks, the national debt, universal basic income and the debate over government’s role in healthcare. The conversation then turns to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), its record on healthcare spending and efforts by Schatz and other advocates to eliminate the program. Andrew and Tom also examine the broader debate over the size and role of government, the legacy of the Reagan era, regulatory policy, broadband spending and the proper role of government in artificial intelligence. Finally, Schatz discusses the current priorities of Citizens Against Government Waste and the organization’s continuing efforts to identify waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement across the federal government. 00:00 — Introducing Tom Schatz01:41 — Why Government Waste Keeps Growing03:20 — Earmarks & Pork-Barrel Spending04:35 — Government Spending & Rebate Proposals06:50 — Universal Basic Income08:41 — Medicare for All & Healthcare Choice12:37 — America's Healthcare Shortage13:53 — The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation17:12 — Can Congress Eliminate CMMI?19:39 — Finding Real Government Savings24:11 — Reagan, Free Markets & the Role of Government27:26 — When Good Intentions Meet Reality29:21 — Regulation & Government "Magical Thinking"31:49 — CAGW's Current Priorities32:43 — Government's Role in AI35:23 — Spending, Debt & Federal Programs37:20 — What's Next for CMMI?38:57 — 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/

    Ep. 207 - Government Waste, Healthcare Spending & the $40 Trillion Debt w/Tom Schatz

  6. Sep 28

    Ep. 206 - IRS, Taxpayer Rights & Fighting Unfair Taxes w/Joe Bishop-Henchman

    Joe Bishop-Henchman, Executive Vice President of the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, joins Andrew Langer for a deep dive into taxpayer rights, tax enforcement and the legal battles shaping tax policy across the country. Bishop-Henchman discusses NTUF’s long-running lawsuit challenging IRS fees imposed on paid tax preparers, why taxpayers can face enormous obstacles when challenging the government, and the work of NTUF’s Taxpayer Defense Center. He also examines how artificial intelligence could change IRS enforcement and why protecting donor privacy remains an important legal issue. The conversation then turns to the states, including the lawsuit that helped spur reform of Louisiana’s complicated local sales tax system and the legal fight over Maryland’s first-in-the-nation digital advertising tax. Bishop-Henchman explains why Maryland’s tax has faced years of litigation, the arguments against taxing digital advertising differently from traditional advertising, and what the latest court ruling could mean for the future of the tax. 00:00 — Introducing Joe Bishop-Henchman02:30 — Taking the IRS to Court05:00 — The IRS Tax Preparer Fee08:12 — Why Tax Cases Can Take Years10:09 — Defending Taxpayer Rights13:16 — AI & the Future of IRS Enforcement18:06 — Why Taxpayers Often Settle19:33 — The Fight Over Donor Privacy24:37 — Reforming Louisiana's Sales Tax System31:12 — Using Litigation to Change Tax Policy33:21 — Maryland's Digital Advertising Tax38:57 — The Legal Battle Over Maryland's Tax41:28 — Why the Court Struck It Down44:05 — What Happens Next?45:08 — 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/

    Ep. 206 - IRS, Taxpayer Rights & Fighting Unfair Taxes w/Joe Bishop-Henchman

  7. Sep 21

    Ep. 205 - China, Trade Barriers & America’s Competition in Asia w/Matt Mowers

    Tariffs dominate the trade debate—but what about the barriers American companies face after entering a foreign market? On this episode of the Lunch Hour podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Matt Mowers, President of Valcour and Executive Director of the U.S.-Asia Fair Market Alliance, to examine the non-tariff barriers facing American businesses across Asia. Mowers discusses regulatory restrictions, market access, digital trade and enforcement practices that he argues can put U.S. companies at a disadvantage even when tariff rates appear fair. He explains why these issues are particularly important in countries such as South Korea, Japan, India and China—and how restrictions on American businesses can create opportunities for Chinese competitors. The conversation also explores China’s growing economic influence, international standards-setting, the Belt and Road Initiative, intellectual property and the competition for leadership in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Finally, Mowers discusses the connection between economic strength and American foreign policy, and why he believes ensuring fair access for U.S. companies abroad is increasingly important to both economic competitiveness and national security. 00:00 — Introducing Matt Mowers02:18 — What Are Non-Tariff Trade Barriers?04:37 — The U.S.-Asia Fair Market Alliance05:53 — How Trade Barriers Can Benefit China07:12 — American Tech Companies & Asian Regulations09:07 — China's Influence Across Asia12:59 — Free Trade, Tariffs & a Level Playing Field16:21 — The WTO & Bilateral Trade Negotiations17:44 — U.S.-South Korea Relations19:15 — China, Market Access & American Companies20:42 — China's Influence on International Standards23:00 — The Belt and Road Initiative26:45 — AI, Technology & the Competition With China28:18 — Pharmaceuticals, IP & American Innovation30:29 — What's Next for the U.S.-Asia Fair Market Alliance?32:30 — Chinese Technology, Data & Security34:13 — Mowers' Background in Foreign Policy37:12 — 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/

    Ep. 205 - China, Trade Barriers & America’s Competition in Asia w/Matt Mowers

  8. Sep 14

    Ep. 204 - Natural Gas, LNG & America’s Energy Security w/Rob Jennings

    America has become the world’s largest producer of natural gas—but what does that mean for energy prices, electricity demand and U.S. energy security? On this episode of the Lunch Hour podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with Rob Jennings, Vice President of Natural Gas Markets at the American Petroleum Institute, to discuss the transformation of America’s natural gas industry and its growing role at home and abroad. Jennings explains how the shale revolution dramatically increased U.S. natural gas production and helped reshape electricity generation, while providing a lower-cost alternative to coal. He and Langer also examine the surge in electricity demand from data centers and why natural gas-fired generation could play a major role in meeting those needs. The conversation turns to permitting reform, including API’s concerns with the National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act, as well as the difficulties of building new pipelines and other energy infrastructure. Jennings discusses LNG exports, Europe’s reliance on imported natural gas, the importance of U.S. energy production during international conflicts and API’s American Energy Security Framework. Finally, Jennings shares how the United States can strengthen its energy infrastructure and maintain its position as a leading global energy producer. 00:00 — Introducing Rob Jennings02:00 — America’s Natural Gas Revolution03:13 — Natural Gas & U.S. Electricity Generation07:30 — Pipelines, Infrastructure & Energy Transportation09:50 — Data Centers & Rising Power Demand11:06 — Natural Gas in American Homes15:23 — U.S. Natural Gas Production & Energy Security18:11 — Why Permitting Reform Matters20:24 — New England’s Natural Gas Problem23:26 — How Natural Gas Is Processed25:49 — LNG Exports & Global Energy Markets28:29 — Europe’s Dependence on Imported Energy31:10 — Strait of Hormuz & U.S. Energy Security32:04 — API’s American Energy Security Framework34:23 — Getting to Know Rob Jennings36:11 — Where to Learn More 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/

    Ep. 204 - Natural Gas, LNG & America’s Energy Security w/Rob Jennings
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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.

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