What would it actually take to slow America’s growing national debt, reduce government waste, and make Congress more accountable for how taxpayer money is spent? In this episode of Hines On Air, Matt Hines sits down with Keith Barton, a Marine Corps veteran, former military aviator, author, and congressional candidate, to discuss U.S. government spending, military efficiency, congressional reform, foreign policy, and his experience serving for 20 years in the Marine Corps. Barton’s campaign website says he has announced another run for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District in 2028. His 2026 candidacy for Texas’ 23rd District is also recorded by the Federal Election Commission. The conversation moves from Trump, Iran, Afghanistan, and U.S. foreign policy into Barton’s firsthand military experiences. He discusses serving as an adviser in Afghanistan, how military decisions move from the strategic level to commanders in the field, Recon Marines, Special Operations, extreme winter training in Alaska, rules of engagement, civilian casualties, and the mental preparation required for combat. The discussion then turns to government debt, federal spending, military procurement, and government efficiency. Barton explains his proposed American Lean Act, which he describes as an attempt to apply Lean Six Sigma principles, measurable performance, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement to government operations. He also discusses military aircraft procurement and argues that reducing duplicated systems and supply chains could significantly lower long-term costs. Barton also shares his views on the Jones Act, shipping costs, congressional term limits, government accountability, and fiscal responsibility, including his proposal for changing domestic shipping rules and his support for self-imposed congressional term limits. These are Barton’s policy arguments and proposals discussed during the interview. If you are interested in U.S. national debt, government spending, military spending, Congress, government efficiency, Lean Six Sigma, U.S. foreign policy, Iran, Afghanistan, Marine Corps Recon, Special Operations, congressional term limits, and government reform, this episode explores these issues through Barton’s military experience and political proposals.