Podcast Summary: Representative Ryan Zinke - Big Beautiful Bills and Public Land Sales

Cleared Hot is a dynamic podcast hosted by Andy Stumpf, where he engages with a diverse range of guests to delve into pressing issues affecting individuals and communities. In the episode titled "Representative Ryan Zinke - Big Beautiful Bills and Public Land Sales," released on July 1, 2025, host Andy Stumpf sits down with Representative Ryan Zinke to discuss the complexities surrounding large-scale legislative bills, government spending, public land management, and the broader implications for Montana and the nation.

1. Introduction: The State of Government Spending

The conversation kicks off with an urgent tone as Joe Rogan (acting as host in this transcript) questions the rapid escalation of a legislative bill from a manageable length to an overwhelming 900-plus pages. Representative Ryan Zinke responds by highlighting the national debt, which stands at $36 trillion, and emphasizes that the core issue lies in governmental spending rather than revenue.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Zinke (00:39): “There are 36 trillion reasons why and that's our national debt. We just didn't pay attention.”

2. Discretionary vs. Mandated Spending

Zinke elaborates on the Constitution's stipulations regarding appropriations and delineates between discretionary spending and mandated spending. He points out that while discretionary spending covers areas like parks and the military, mandated spending now comprises about 70% of the budget, dominated by Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. This shift has led to a significant erosion in discretionary funding.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Zinke (00:16): “Discretionary spending... is over half of that. On the services, which is the big three... have now expanded into spending where now they're 70% of the budget.”

3. The Reconciliation Process and Its Implications

The discussion transitions to the reconciliation process in the Senate, a procedure that allows expedited consideration of certain budgetary legislation. Zinke explains the intricacies of reconciliation, including the necessity of adhering to Byrd's rules, which limit the inclusion of policy changes within the budget bill.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Zinke (05:13): “Reconciliation... opportunities to look at the spending side of it.”

4. Public Land Sales Hidden in the Budget Bill

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the controversial inclusion of public land sales within the expansive budget bill. Rogan expresses concern over the clandestine nature of such provisions, questioning how items unrelated to the bill's primary focus can be embedded without transparent disclosure.

Notable Quote:

Joe Rogan (08:22): “The big beautiful bill is about taxes. It's like, yes, asterisks. Page 202.5 million acres. How does this happen?”

Zinke counters by asserting that the sale of public lands alone cannot resolve the nation's debt crisis and emphasizes the importance of responsible land management over outright sales.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Zinke (10:19): “Selling public lands is just folly. We didn't get into debt because of public lands. We ain't gonna get out of it selling it.”

5. The Deep State and Judicial Overreach

The conversation delves into the concept of the deep state, with Zinke sharing his experiences and concerns about executive overreach by the judiciary. He critiques the actions of district judges who, in his view, have overstepped their constitutional boundaries, potentially destabilizing the balance of power.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Zinke (14:01): “The deep state is an arrogance that they know better. It puts our whole system in danger.”

6. Combating Fraud, Waste, and Abuse with AI

Zinke highlights the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in identifying and mitigating fraud, waste, and abuse within government spending. He references the successful implementation of AI-driven audits that exposed significant financial discrepancies, advocating for broader adoption of such technologies to enhance governmental accountability.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Zinke (45:04): “AI... exposed it. But there's three steps. One is you gotta expose the fraud.”

7. Infrastructure and Affordable Housing in Montana

Shifting focus to Montana, Zinke discusses the state's infrastructure challenges, particularly concerning affordable housing and essential services like sewer systems. He underscores the necessity of federal support in repairing aging infrastructure to foster economic growth and improve living conditions.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Zinke (32:17): “Basic infrastructure is what we should be working on. It allows apartments that allows higher density so you can build affordable housing.”

8. Gun Regulations and Local Control

The duo touches upon the regulation of suppressors, debating their classification and arguing for local oversight rather than federal interference. Zinke advocates for empowering local law enforcement to handle regulatory matters, which he believes would lead to more effective and community-aligned governance.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Zinke (72:24): “I'd like to see more authority go to the local sheriffs and less authority on the ATF in D.C. personally.”

9. The Cultural Divide Between Washington, D.C. and Montana

Zinke reflects on the cultural and political divide between Washington, D.C. and states like Montana. He emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and representation, arguing that federal policies often overlook the unique needs and values of rural communities.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Zinke (58:03): “Montana should have a voice. We shouldn't get overridden all the time by someone that doesn't know where the Flathead Valley is.”

10. Moving Forward: Common Ground and Collaboration

In concluding remarks, Zinke urges for unity and collaboration across political divides. He emphasizes focusing on shared goals such as improving the economy, ensuring clean air and water, and preserving outdoor recreational experiences. By seeking common ground, he believes progress can be achieved without the prevalent anger and conflict.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Zinke (70:24): “Let's get the anger out of it. Take a deep breath... we're on the same team.”

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of Cleared Hot, Representative Ryan Zinke provides an insightful analysis of the nation's fiscal challenges, the complexities of large legislative bills, and the critical issues surrounding public land management. His perspectives shed light on the need for responsible spending, the dangers of bureaucratic overreach, and the importance of local control in governance. By advocating for technological solutions to combat financial inefficiencies and urging for a unified approach to policy-making, Zinke presents a vision aimed at fostering both economic stability and the preservation of Montana's cherished natural landscapes.

Note: This summary is crafted based on the provided transcript. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.