Most people don’t get excited about federal spending cuts—but maybe they should. In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Kurt Couchman, Senior Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, about the little-known budget tool called “rescissions” and why it matters for every taxpayer.
Kurt explains how the rescission process works, why it was used heavily by presidents like Ronald Reagan, and how recent packages—like the $9.4 billion in cuts to outdated and duplicative programs—are a small but important step toward fiscal responsibility. He also breaks down the constitutional power struggle over federal spending, the push to restore Congress’s role in budgeting, and why unchecked debt could lead to economic and national security crises.
This is a deep dive into one of Washington’s most overlooked budget battles—and why bringing spending under control isn’t just good politics, it’s essential for America’s future.

Most people don’t get excited about federal spending cuts—but maybe they should. In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Kurt Couchman, Senior Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, about the little-known budget tool called “rescissions” and why it matters for every taxpayer. Kurt explains how the rescission process works, why it was used heavily by presidents like Ronald Reagan, and how recent packages—like the $9.4 billion in cuts to outdated and duplicative programs—are a small but important step toward fiscal responsibility. He also breaks down the constitutional power struggle over federal spending, the push to restore Congress’s role in budgeting, and why unchecked debt could lead to economic and national security crises. This is a deep dive into one of Washington’s most overlooked budget battles—and why bringing spending under control isn’t just good politics, it’s essential for America’s future.

Kurt Couchman on Rescissions: How Cutting Federal Spending Can Protect America’s Future

American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their communities to break barriers. While some of our guests may be public officials or influencers, many are ordinary Americans who decided, “enough is enough,” and are stepping up in a big way.

We share policy solutions to the most important challenges our country faces and talk to people who are doing something about it. Our hope is that when you hear about other people’s stories of success – and struggle – you will realize that you are capable of doing extraordinary things within your own community and know that you are not alone.

David From, a Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, hosts the American Potential podcast. David brings a wealth of experience in grassroots advocacy and a deep commitment to advancing freedom and opportunity for all Americans.

American Potential has earned multiple prestigious honors for its impact and excellence in storytelling:

Platinum Award at the 2024 Viddy Awards for the episode featuring Mike Rowe, recognized in the long-form podcast category.

Gold Award at the 18th Annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category.

Award of Distinction at the 31st Annual Communicator Awards in the Individual Episodes – Political category for the episode “Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws.”

These awards—judged by experts from organizations like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and the Smithsonian—highlight the podcast’s effectiveness in elevating compelling stories of freedom, innovation, and citizen-led change.

Society & Culture

Education

Self-Improvement

Government

Personal Journals

American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their communities to break barriers. While some of our guests may be public officials or influencers, many are ordinary Americans who decided, “enough is enough,” and are stepping up in a big way. We share policy solutions to the most important challenges our country faces and talk to people who are doing something about it. Our hope is that when you hear about other people’s stories of success – and struggle – you will realize that you are capable of doing extraordinary things within your own community and know that you are not alone. David From, a Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, hosts the American Potential podcast. David brings a wealth of experience in grassroots advocacy and a deep commitment to advancing freedom and opportunity for all Americans. American Potential has earned multiple prestigious honors for its impact and excellence in storytelling: Platinum Award at the 2024 Viddy Awards for the episode featuring Mike Rowe, recognized in the long-form podcast category. Gold Award at the 18th Annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category. Award of Distinction at the 31st Annual Communicator Awards in the Individual Episodes – Political category for the episode “Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws.” These awards—judged by experts from organizations like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and the Smithsonian—highlight the podcast’s effectiveness in elevating compelling stories of freedom, innovation, and citizen-led change.

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Kurt Couchman on Rescissions: How Cutting Federal Spending Can Protect America’s Future

Kurt Couchman on Rescissions: How Cutting Federal Spending Can Protect America’s Future

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