Capitol Hill Chaos and Economic Literacy

On February 29, 2024, Paige Agostin and Karen Levine joined the show. Policy expert explains the continuing resolution fight, $73 billion in potential government cuts, and why the Big Four congressional leaders prioritize Ukraine funding over border security RE/MAX realtor provides spring market outlook and discusses Senate Bill 24-106 aimed at reforming construction defect legislation to reduce housing costs

Congressional Spending Battles and the Ukraine Funding Debate

Start listening at 32:05 – Hour 1

Paige Agostin explains the spending crisis gripping Capitol Hill on this leap year broadcast. The Center for Renewing America policy expert details how Speaker Mike Johnson faces pressure from all sides as Congress approaches another government shutdown deadline. Hauser argues that a full-year continuing resolution would automatically trigger $73 billion in cuts to what she calls the “woke and weaponized government” without touching defense spending.

The discussion turns to Ukraine funding, with Hauser revealing that the “Big Four” congressional leaders met at the White House to push a $95 billion supplemental bill, including $60 billion for Ukraine. She criticizes the focus on foreign conflicts while the southern border remains unsecured, pointing to the tragic murder of Lake and Riley by an illegal immigrant as evidence of misplaced priorities. Hauser warns that politicians seem more interested in funding foreign wars than protecting American citizens.

Hauser also addresses the recent Politico hit piece labeling the Center for Renewing America as “Christian nationalist,” arguing this is part of a broader strategy to silence Christians in the public square. She contends that America was founded on biblical principles and that secular progressives now control the elite institutions.

“No, our rights do come from God and not from government, that you need that foundation, that biblical worldview underpinning if you want to have nice things like democracy and the rule of law and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Paige Agostin, Center for Renewing America

Water Rights and the Colorado River Compact

Start listening at 18:28 – Hour 1

Caller Alan, an engineer, calls in to discuss Kim’s earlier proposal about desalination plants on the California coast. He explains the complexities of the Colorado River water compact and offers an alternative solution: pumping desalinated water to the Imperial Valley, which sits 250 feet below sea level and only 83 miles from the coast. Alan argues this approach could revitalize agriculture, generate hydroelectric power, and help restore the Colorado River Delta without the astronomical costs of pumping water 4,000 feet uphill to Lake Mead.

Kim and Alan agree that political will, not engineering capability, remains the primary obstacle to solving western water challenges. Alan notes that environmentalists have restricted water use to protect the delta smelt while the once-verdant Colorado River Delta has become a salt flat.

“I’m an engineer. I like it right.”

Alan, Caller

Economics in One Lesson: Understanding Taxation

Start listening at 71:50 – Hour 2

Producer Joe and Producer Luke join Kim in studio to continue their serialized review of Henry Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson. The discussion covers chapters on public works, taxation, and the broken window fallacy. Producer Luke expresses his frustration with income taxes, noting they were implemented in 1913 as a “temporary measure” that has become permanent.

The team explores how tax loopholes benefit the wealthy while burdening the middle class. Luke cites research suggesting Americans keep only about 43 cents of every dollar earned when accounting for all forms of taxation throughout money’s lifetime in the economy. Producer Joe raises concerns about charitable giving as a tax shelter, noting that wealthy individuals can donate to foundations they control while receiving tax deductions.

Producer Steve calls in to comment on the discussion, observing that those who make the rules get the gold. Kim connects the conversation to the Founders’ vision, reading James Madison’s quote about the necessity of government to control itself. The segment closes with a caller named Mark from Black Forest who argues that the proper role of government should be limited to functions requiring force, such as defense and justice.

“If the people at the very, very tippy top paid their fair share, it would relieve the burden on a lot of us working class Americans.”

Producer Luke