Keith Barton on Military Experience, Family Court Reform, and Making Government Work

What happens when a 20-year Marine Corps veteran brings military leadership and logistics experience into a discussion about government, family law, and public policy? On this episode of The Billy Dees Podcast, Billy Dees sits down with Keith Barton, a former military aviator, author, congressional candidate, and advocate for family court reform, for a wide-ranging conversation about the systems that shape American life—and how they might work better. Barton discusses his military background, his experience in logistics, and how those experiences influenced his approach to problem-solving. A major focus of the conversation is his proposed American Lean Act, which applies Lean Six Sigma principles to government operations with the goal of reducing waste, improving efficiency, and finding practical ways to lower costs. The conversation also explores family court reform, an issue Barton says became personal after he successfully challenged his own custody case through a Florida appellate court. He shares his perspective on shared parenting, transparency, and the need for systems that better serve children and families. Billy and Keith also discuss healthcare costs, government spending, money in politics, congressional term limits, and the challenges of translating policy ideas into practical solutions. Along the way, Barton talks about his work as an author, including children's STEM books, military-themed fiction, and science-fiction thrillers. Barton is running for Congress in Texas in 2028, and the discussion offers listeners an opportunity to hear about his background, priorities, and proposed reforms directly from him. As always, The Billy Dees Podcast brings together different perspectives in a substantive conversation about current events, public policy, and the ideas shaping our future—without turning the discussion into a shouting match. Learn more about Keith Barton, his proposals, and his books: https://bartonfortexas.com/ Follow Billy Dees on X for updates about the program https://x.com/BillyDees