In this final episode of The Bentsen Blueprint, we return to the White House in 1999, where President Bill Clinton awards Lloyd Bentsen the nation’s highest civilian honor—the Presidential Medal of Freedom. From his early days as a Texas farmhand to his tenure as Treasury Secretary, Bentsen’s legacy was one of discipline, economic foresight, and unwavering public service.

We explore his final years, the extraordinary role of his wife, BA Bentsen, as his steadfast partner and political force in her own right, and the lasting impact of his work on the U.S. economy. With reflections from his family, colleagues, and President Clinton himself, this episode closes the chapter on Bentsen’s remarkable life—while examining the lessons his leadership still holds for America today.

After decades in the Senate, Lloyd Bentsen takes on a new challenge: serving as Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton. In this episode, we explore Bentsen’s swift confirmation, his critical role in passing the 1993 Deficit Reduction Act, and how his leadership helped shape the longest peacetime economic expansion in U.S. history. From navigating the political landscape to championing trade policies that benefited Texas and beyond, Bentsen’s blueprint for economic policy remains relevant today.

It’s 1988. The Cold War is winding down, the U.S. economy is strong, but a growing national debt looms large. Senator Lloyd Bentsen is on the Democratic ticket as Michael Dukakis’ running mate, facing off against a familiar Texas name—George H.W. Bush.Though Bentsen loses the vice presidency, he remains a force in the Senate, playing a pivotal role in one of the most consequential political moments of the era: the 1990 Deficit Reduction Act. Working across party lines, he negotiates with President Bush’s Treasury Secretary to pass a bill that ultimately breaks Bush’s infamous “Read my lips: no new taxes” pledge—costing Bush reelection but laying the foundation for the longest period of economic growth in U.S. history at the time.Beyond tax policy, Bentsen was a champion of retirement security. His work on ERISA helped expand access to 401(k) plans and IRAs, shaping how millions of Americans save for retirement today.This episode explores Bentsen’s enduring influence in the Senate—from his workhorse mentality to his pragmatic approach to policy. Whether tackling budget deficits or shaping economic strategy, his impact reaches far beyond Texas—offering lessons that still resonate today.