Cato Institute

Along California’s state beaches, state and local governments have effectively banned independent surf instructors from earning a living. The outcome of their lawsuits against the government could crack open economic liberty litigation far beyond California’s coastline. The new Cato Podcast episode explores why First Amendment may be a sharp tool to defend economic liberty. Apple: https://ow.ly/hWNy50YBvar Spotify: https://ow.ly/Jg4t50YBvat Our website: https://ow.ly/blin50YBvas

The SAVE America Act isn’t a silver bullet for Republican electoral success, says Cato’s Stephen Richer. “Issues like gas prices, a potential Iran war, airport security lines, and the cost of living will matter far more in determining control of Congress in November 2026.” https://ow.ly/a2gT50YBszC

The Trump administration’s proposed “Golden Dome,” modeled on Israel’s Iron Dome and AMD, rests on a system now showing clear vulnerabilities. The lesson for the US is clear, says Cato’s Benjamin Giltner. https://ow.ly/cWJx50YBstU

America’s debt problem isn’t a mystery—it’s the result of policies lawmakers refuse to fix, says Cato’s Romina Boccia. We’re running massive deficits in a strong economy, while the burden shifts to younger Americans and future taxpayers. Congress knows the problem. What’s missing is the will to act.

The USPS has lost $5–$10 billion a year for over a decade. Falling mail volumes and high labor costs mean half-measures won’t fix it. Congress should close little-used post offices, reduce delivery frequency, and move towards privatization, says Cato’s Chris Edwards. https://ow.ly/jm6350YBkaf

Not all college closures are a tragedy, says Cato’s Andrew Gillen. Most closures are in some sense inevitable and do not indicate a system-wide crisis. While painful for current students and staff, closures often protect future students and staff and free up both to pursue more promising paths. https://ow.ly/o5bW50YBhbk

Prisoners released under the First Step Act have significantly lower recidivism rates. The Bureau of Prisons, however, denies credits to thousands who qualify. Cato's Matthew Cavedon argues the Eighth Circuit should correct the Bureau's error. https://ow.ly/TxQ850YAVXP

The SAVE America Act isn’t just about voter ID—it hands huge power to an executive branch agency to decide the rules after it becomes law. Vague, rushed, and risky. Congress doesn’t want to tell us how the law will be enforced, and that’s the real problem, warns Cato’s Walter Olson. https://lnkd.in/eCeUUbXe

Seattle mandated higher per-task pay for app drivers—but tips dropped, unpaid idle time rose, and drivers completed fewer jobs. Those offsets wiped out the gains, leaving monthly earnings unchanged. Price controls on wages do not work, explains Cato's Jeffrey Miron. https://ow.ly/IzvS50YAVU9

The DHS shutdown tops 40 days, yet the One Big Beautiful Bill’s $191 billion infusion—7x ICE’s annual budget—keeps operations running. Without public records of allocations and spending, Congress cannot oversee executive actions or protect taxpayer dollars, warns Cato’s Dominik Lett. https://lnkd.in/eWD4WNTp