In this special American Potential Now episode, host David From sits down with Congressman Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, to unpack the recent government shutdown that began at midnight on September 30th. They dive into the causes, failed negotiations in the Senate, and what was really in the so-called “clean” continuing resolution.

Chairman Cole also discusses the broader challenges of federal spending, runaway debt, and the urgent need for entitlement reform. Whether you're trying to understand how Congress funds the government or what it will take to restore fiscal discipline, this is a must-listen conversation packed with insight, candor, and clarity.

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On this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes back Jordan Fischetti, Immigration Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, for a deep dive into the border security provisions of the Working Family Tax Cut Act—or what some are calling the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Jordan explains the bill's $46.55 billion investment in border infrastructure, including walls, roads, and cutting-edge technology. But it’s not just about building more wall—it’s about building smarter.

They explore why local knowledge from Border Patrol agents on the ground is key to effective border solutions, how legal immigration pathways can help reduce illegal crossings, and why morale among border agents has been so low—and how to fix it. From drones and AI to the moral crisis of unaccompanied minors, this conversation goes far beyond headlines to tackle both the challenges and solutions in securing America’s borders.

🎧 Tune in for facts, thoughtful discussion, and a roadmap for what real reform could look like.

When schools shut down in 2020, many parents realized just how little their kids were learning. That eye-opening experience led Melissa Jackson to co-found Freedom in Education, a movement dedicated to giving parents and teachers the tools they need to improve education from the ground up. As president of the organization, Melissa is working to restore knowledge-based learning, equip parents with resources and opt-out forms, and build bridges between families and teachers.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Melissa about how Freedom in Education began, the challenges of navigating state education systems, and the practical solutions they’re providing to help kids thrive. From empowering parents to take a more active role to supporting teachers with professional development and community, Melissa shares how her team is working to enrich the next generation of students both inside and outside the classroom.