# Congress Needs to Grow a Spine | Week of February 23

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/fresh-tracks-weekly-5367090/congress-needs-to-grow-a-spine-week-of-february-23
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/fresh-tracks-weekly-5367090/congress-needs-to-grow-a-spine-week-of-february-23.md
Podcast: [Fresh Tracks Weekly](https://stenobird.com/podcast/fresh-tracks-weekly-5367090)
Published: 2026-02-27T22:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ONYO6755365092.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ONYO6755365092.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/fresh-tracks-weekly-5367090/episodes/congress-needs-to-grow-a-spine-week-of-february-23
Duration seconds: 1672

## Resource

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, Randy Newberg and Marcus Hockett dive deep into the complex world of public land management and the fragile nature of administrative rules. Using the Roadless Rule of 2001 as a primary case study, they explore how major land-use policies can remain "fickle" for decades because they lack the permanent weight of Congressional law. The conversation sheds light on the growing trend of "management by executive order," where shifting administrations use tools like the Congressional Review Act to bypass public comment and overturn established rules, creating a political pendulum that swings further with every election cycle.The duo highlights the real-world consequences of this instability such as the potential loss of wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. Randy issues a call to action, urging citizens to hold their elected officials accountable and demanding that Congress "get a spine" and return to the hard work of legislating. By prioritizing durable, bipartisan laws over short-term administrative shortcuts, the guys argue we can restore public enfranchisement and ensure that the voices of the people and the health of our wild places, aren't lost to political theatrics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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