Episoder
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Ahead of a what is scheduled to be a busy week in the House of Representatives, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci ask whether the SAVE America Act will continue to dominate the conversation. Can lawmakers strike deals on the NDAA and annual appropriations bills, or will Reconciliation 3.0 become the only path forward? Then, Ramsey Touchberry, congressional reporter for the Washington Examiner, joins the show to unpack the latest dynamics in the Senate. Plus, on this week's Campaign Corner: insurgent candidates gain ground in Colorado, and establishment Democrats search for a message as the party's left flank gains momentum.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner
Producer: Benji Englander
Articles Discussed:
POLITICO: Trump doubles down on SAVE America Act after Supreme Court loss on mail voting
The Hill: Trump calls housing bill ‘a yawn,’ concedes SAVE America Act unlikely to pass
The Hill: Johnson: Blocking House agenda over SAVE America Act is ‘self-defeating’
Fox Business: Trump, Mike Johnson eye SAVE America Act in reconciliation as House races toward recess
POLITICO: GOP infighting threatens critical defense bill
Washington Examiner: Inside Trump’s explosive meeting with Senate Republicans
Washington Examiner: New York socialist surge reveals warning signs for Schumer
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As President Trump prepares to head up to Capitol Hill for the Republican Senate lunch, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss what kind of reaction he may receive and what items might be on the agenda from the Save America Act to the Iran deal to the incoming DNI. At the end, the United Kingdom will have a new Prime Minister and Zohran Mamdani looks to flex his political muscle in key New York House primaries.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Producer: Benji Englander
Articles Discussed:
Punchbowl News: Trump to meet with Senate GOP amid tension
NBC News: Senate Republicans grow increasingly frustrated with Trump blindsiding them
The Hill: Senate Republicans in somber, pessimistic mood over Trump deal with Iran
The Hill: Mike Lee: Senate GOP must do ‘hard work’ to pass SAVE America Act
POLITICO: House GOP races to make Recon 3.0 real
POLITICO: He Quit Parliament. Now He’s Set to Become Britain’s Prime Minister.
New York Times: Will New York Swing Further to the Left? Here’s a Preview of Tuesday’s Primaries.
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Manglende episoder?
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Congress faces another looming deadline this week as FISA authorities are set to expire. Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss if GOP leaders will be able to overcome objections from both sides of the aisle and pass an extension. Plus, Reconciliation 2.0 moves ahead as talk of a third bill heats up. Then, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Puck’s chief Washington correspondent, joins the show to talk about the scramble set off by the Bill Pulte DNI announcement and the latest with the Maine Senate race as Graham Platner faces another scandal.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Leigh Ann Caldwell, Puck
Producer: Benji Englander
Articles Discussed:
Punchbowl: Can Congress pass a short-term FISA extension?
ABC News: Democratic revolt over Trump's DNI pick Pulte puts FISA re-authorization in jeopardy
Puck: The G.O.P.’s Pulte Problem
Puck: Hill Rebellion & The Platner Files
CNBC: Congress moves toward approving $70 billion for ICE and CBP through Trump’s presidency
The Hill: GOP plots third reconciliation bill as midterm clock ticks
The Guardian: Judgment day for under-fire Democrat Graham Platner in Maine primary
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Congress is racing to finish some major items, but will any GOP priorities get bogged down amid party infighting? Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss the path ahead for reconciliation, FISA and government funding. Then, Natalie Andrews, a White House correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, joins the show to discuss the Senate’s “Wounded Bear Caucus” and Vice President Vance’s relationship with President Trump.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Natalie Andrews, Wall Street Journal
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
Fox News: Congress barrels toward deadline pile-up as GOP divisions threaten Trump agenda
POLITICO: Trump administration retreats on 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
POLITICO: ‘Get a warrant’: FISA fights resurface
MSNOW: ‘We have the votes to win’: Khanna predicts Iran war powers vote win for Democrats Tuesday
CNN: Spencer Pratt brings Los Angeles’ economic anxieties into primetime
POLITICO: ‘Every week it seems like it’s something else’: Democrats worry about Platner revelations
POLITICO: Chuck Schumer’s Iowa problem
WSJ: A New ‘Wounded Bear Caucus’ in the Senate Means More Trouble for Trump
NYT: Is JD Vance the 2028 Front Runner? Trump Has Questions.
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On a new episode of CONTROL, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by Scott Wong, Senior Congressional Reporter for NBC News, to break down the latest drama unfolding on Capitol Hill and on the campaign trail. The trio dive into Reconciliation 2.0 and 3.0, President Trump’s influence in GOP primaries and the looming midterms, the continued fight over redistricting, the absence of Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., and much more.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Scott Wong, NBC News
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
Punchbowl: Crunch time for GOP’s reconciliation bill
CNBC: Trump ballroom money in question after Senate parliamentarian rules. Thune says GOP will persist
POLITICO: Trump pushes to attach his SAVE act to must-pass bipartisan bills
The Hill: GOP lawmakers battle as conservatives press for third budget reconciliation bill
NBC News: Rep. Thomas Massie confronts the full force of Trump’s wrath in a Republican primary
NBC News: Democrats warn a third of the Congressional Black Caucus could be wiped out by redistricting wars
New York Times: The Mystery of a Congressman’s Absence Deepens
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Speaker Johnson made it through Hell Week, but what does reconciliation have in store? Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by Matt Glassman, who spent 10 years at the Congressional Research Service and is now a Senior Fellow at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown, for a primer on Reconciliation 2.0 and a discussion of how the appropriations process has gone awry. Plus, after a setback in Virginia, how will Democrats move forward on redistricting?
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Matt Glassman
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
Punchbowl: Trump’s ballroom security money is in trouble
Axios: Johnson to address Senate Republicans amid escalating tensions
The Hill: GOP opposition grows to moving third reconciliation package on Trump agenda
Politico: Trump wants a gas tax holiday. Republicans will ‘hear him out,’ Thune says
Politico: Jeffries guarantees Democratic House win in midterms despite ‘undemocratic’ rulings
The Hill: GOP braces for high-stakes 2027 spending fight with midterms looming
Matt’s Five Points: The Dawn of Partisan Appropriations
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It is “Hell Week” in the House of Representatives with several major votes on the schedule. Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss the outlook for Reconciliation 2.0, FISA and the Farm Bill. Plus, Meredith Lee Hill, Senior Congress reporter for POLITICO, shares how the attack at the WHCD is shaking up the agenda and what to look for during a big week for Speaker Mike Johnson.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Meredith Lee Hill, POLITICO
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
POLITICO: WHCD attack jolts Mike Johnson’s big week
POLITICO: ‘National emergency’: After assassination attempt, White House urges Congress to fund DHS
POLITICO: Johnson says Senate-passed DHS funding bill will have to change
POLITICO: It’s finally farm bill week
Punchbowl News: House GOP has an impossible week
TIME: King Charles Arrives in Trump's Washington, and a Congress Less Civil Than His Mother Faced
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The Senate is moving ahead with reconciliation while things go off the rails in the House – all while a pivotal election takes place across the Potomac. On a new episode of CONTROL, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss Speaker Johnson’s FISA flop and next steps in the Senate for DHS funding and the Iran war. Then, Punchbowl News’ Senior Congressional Reporter Ally Mutnick joins the show to preview the redistricting ballot measure in Virginia and what it portends for both the 2026 midterms and future election cycles. Plus, the trio analyze the most competitive races across the Senate map.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Ally Mutnick, Punchbowl News
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
POLITICO: Republicans stare down a growing, neverending FISA crisis
Punchbowl News: Thune: Full speed ahead on reconciliation
New York Times: House Thwarts Bid to Halt Iran War, but Some in G.O.P. See Support Fading
WaPo: Senate rejects resolution to block Trump from striking Iran
New York Times: White House Declines to Offer Congress an Estimate of Iran War Cost
Punchbowl News: House, Senate Dems post giant Q1 numbers
Punchbowl News: NRCC outraises DCCC in Q1
New York Times: Democrats Spend Big but Face Tough Fight in Virginia Gerrymandering Battle
CNN: Pinwheels and the ‘lobster district’: How Virginia Democrats drew up a US House map to all but lock out Republicans
CNN: How a must-win Michigan Senate race turned messy for Democrats
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On a milestone episode of CONTROL, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci cover the stack of items that have piled up on Congress’ to-do list over the spring recess – starting with a critical vote to extend FISA. Then, with peace talks to end the Iran War faltering, will more Republicans support a War Powers Resolution? And will DHS ever reopen? At the end, Reese Gorman, a political reporter at NOTUS, shares his insights into the resignations of Rep. Eric Swalwell and Rep. Tony Gonzales, House leadership maneuvering, and TMZ’s new focus on Capitol Hill.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Reese Gorman, NOTUS
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
NBC News: Congress returns to battles over DHS, expelling lawmakers and the Iran war
WaPo: Powerful surveillance program faces obstacles as renewal deadline looms
Politico: GOP leaders prepare to steamroll opponents of DHS funding plan
NOTUS: Notice Anything Different About Jim Jordan? That’s Because He’s Probably Angling for Leadership
NOTUS: Tony Gonzales Announces He’s Leaving Congress, Avoiding Likely Expulsion Vote
NYT: TMZ Sics Its Tipsters on a New Breed of Celebrity Villain: Members of Congress
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With the DHS shutdown dragging on and frustration mounting over TSA lines, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss if there is any hope for a deal. Plus, debate continues over the SAVE America Act and supplemental funding for the Iran war. Then, Semafor’s Congressional Bureau Chief Burgess Everett joins the show to share what he is hearing on DHS funding, a second reconciliation package, and Markwayne Mullin’s confirmation. And this week on campaign corner: the Maine Senate race.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Burgess Everett, Semafor
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
Semafor: Senate tries frantically to reopen DHS
CBS News: DHS funding talks in limbo after Trump calls on GOP to link bill to SAVE America Act
Semafor: Collins wants bipartisan Iran spending bill
CNN: In Maine’s marquee Senate primary, Janet Mills reaches out to women by raising Graham Platner’s online past
Semafor: Senate Democrats square off with each other in ‘spicy primaries’
The Hill: Senate advances Mullin to head Department of Homeland Security
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As the SAVE America Act heads to the Senate floor, hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci consider the bill’s outlook and how Majority Leader Thune is balancing competing interests. Then, they discuss a potential supplemental funding bill for the Iran war, the ongoing DHS shutdown and fallout from the Texas primary. At the end, Sarah Ferris, a CNN reporter covering Capitol Hill, joins to talk about what life is like for House Republicans with such a slim majority and other rumblings from the halls of Congress.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Sarah Ferris, CNN
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
The Hill: Trump allies plan Senate floor takeover to pass SAVE America Act
Semafor: Trump’s voting bill fixation strains Republicans to the breaking point
Punchbowl: Johnson vs. Jeffries on Iran funding
Politico: One month later, White House and Democrats no closer to ending the DHS shutdown
CBS News: SAVE America Act becomes key issue in Texas GOP Senate primary between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton
WBEZ: Five Illinois congressional seats, Senate seat open in historic election year
CNN: One vote to lose: Life inside a chaotic House GOP majority
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In the wake of this weekend’s strikes against Iran and with the conflict continuing to spread, hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by Seven Letter colleague Sabrina Singh, who served as Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary during the Biden administration. They discuss how the Trump administration has communicated about the war, the reaction from Capitol Hill, and what to watch for in the days ahead. Plus, will the conflict raise the pressure to pass DHS funding? And who has the edge in today’s Texas primary?
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Sabrina Singh
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
New York Times: How Trump Decided to Go to War
AP: Congress will debate an Iran conflict that is well underway
Punchbowl: Congress’ war over the war
CBS News: Iran strikes highlight fractures in GOP ahead of war powers votes in Congress
New York Times: Democrats Denounce Trump’s Iran Attack, but Subtle Divisions Emerge
Politico: Republicans use Iran strikes to pressure Dems in DHS funding fight
CNN: Despite Trump push for voter ID law, Senate Republicans say votes aren’t there to change filibuster rules
Semafor: Some Republicans back Trump on nationalization of voting
Axios: GOP insiders fretting over Texas Senate primary
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It’s State of the Union day! Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci share what they’ll be looking for during tonight’s speech and how lawmakers from both parties are likely to react. Then, they discuss the latest maneuvering around DHS funding, tariffs, and the SAVE America Act before being joined by Sahil Kapur, Senior National Political Reporter for NBC News, to learn the latest from Capitol Hill and the White House. When will the government shutdown end? Is the talking filibuster a realistic possibility? Is President Trump losing his grip on the GOP? All that and more only on CONTROL.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Sahil Kapur, NBC News
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
NYT: ‘It’s Going to Be a Long Speech’: Trump Prepares for State of the Union
POLITICO: A high-stakes State of the Union just got harder for Trump
Axios: Democratic response to Trump's SOTU becomes a crowded affair
NBC News: 'Everyone here is irate': White House scrambles after tariff loss as Trump unloads on Supreme Court
CNBC: Congress contemplates its role on tariffs after Supreme Court decision
The Hill: Republicans eye opening for DHS deal this week as Democrats double down
NBC News: Trump's election bill tops 50 Senate votes, but Democrats could still block it
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All signs point to a stalemate on Homeland Security funding – where does Congress go from here? Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss if a deal can be reached or if another shutdown is ahead. Then, Andrew Desiderio, senior congressional reporter for Punchbowl News, joins the show to share what he is hearing from the halls of the Senate. Plus, revelations in the Epstein files continue to roil Capitol Hill, pressure is rising to pass the SAVE America Act, and more Members head for the exits.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Andrew Desiderio, Punchbowl News
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
Punchbowl News: The Big Four, Trump and DHS
Punchbowl News: WH responds to Democrats’ DHS overhaul
Punchbowl News: Clintons continue sparring with Comer
CNN: GOP lawmaker behind Congress’ Epstein push says Commerce Secretary Lutnick should resign over links
The Hill: House GOP digs in on push for voting bill in hopes of pressuring Senate
Matt’s Five Points: Talking Filibuster Explainer
The Hill: Rep. Mark Amodei is 30th House Republican to not seek reelection
NYT: The Troubled State of the Senate Has Members Eyeing Governorships
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With the government shutdown again, it is starting to feel like Groundhog Day at CONTROL. Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci analyze the latest impasse from every angle and are joined by Semafor White House Correspondent Shelby Talcott to hear the administration’s perspective. They discuss the key players in the negotiations, the divide between House and Senate Democrats, and President Trump’s shifting focus. Plus, what does the surprising result in a Texas special election say about the midterms?
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Shelby Talcott, Semafor
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
Semafor: Democrats strike deal with White House on government funding
Politico: How Mike Johnson is scrambling to keep the shutdown short
CNN: Trump leans on Republicans to back his funding deal with Democrats — eager to end government shutdown
NBC News: Schumer and Jeffries take different tacks on government funding bill
NYT: Clintons Capitulate on House Epstein Inquiry, Agreeing to Testify
NYT: Democratic Upset in Deep Red Texas District Rattles Republicans
Semafor: Trump administration eyes drawdown in Minnesota
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Events in Minneapolis have thrown Capitol Hill into turmoil, with a government shutdown increasingly likely. Hosts Annaylse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by The Hill’s Al Weaver to discuss if Congress can find a way to pass funding bills. They discuss the rapidly changing dynamics, the key figures to watch and the reaction from the White House. Plus, the start of a recurring lookahead to the midterm elections.
Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci
Guest: Al Weaver, The Hill
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
The Hill: Second fatal Minneapolis shooting puts Congress on verge of shutdown
Punchbowl: Senate GOP seeks way out of DHS funding clash
AP: The shootings in Minneapolis are upending the politics of immigration in Congress
Axios: DHS and ICE are under siege by Congress like never before
WBAL: Gov. Wes Moore urges Senate vote as Maryland redistricting fight heats up
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As he steps away as co-host of CONTROL, Brendan Buck reflects on the last three years of Congress before opining on the news of the day with Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci. With momentum building, how many appropriations bills will Congress pass before the upcoming deadline? Will more lawmakers stand up for Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserve? Plus, Trump issues threats over a war powers resolution and Mike Johnson navigates a proposed ban on Congressional stock trading.
Hosts: Brendan Buck, Annalyse Keller, Mike Ricci
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
The Hill: House approves minibus spending bills in bipartisan 397-28 vote
POLITICO: DOJ opens probe into Fed’s Powell, drawing backlash from lawmakers
WSJ: Angry Trump Called GOP Defectors After War Powers Vote
POLITICO: House GOP stock trading ban bill set for Wednesday markup
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Congress is back and has a very busy month ahead. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller look ahead to debates around war powers, discharge petitions and veto overrides before offering predictions for the rest of 2026. Will there be another government shutdown? How many more members will retire? Will a vacancy open on the Supreme Court? All that and more on a new episode of CONTROL.
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
Punchbowl News: Congress steps on the gas pedal
Politico: Senate to vote on war powers measure following Maduro ouster
Axios: House Republicans move to override Trump vetoes in rare show of defiance
NPR: More than 10% of Congress won't return to their seats after 2026
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On the year’s final episode of CONTROL, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about the biggest stories of 2025 as told through the podcast. Then, Paul Kane, Washington Post Senior Congressional Correspondent, joins the show to look back on the first year of this Congress and what the second may have in store. How have the Congressional leaders performed? Will the legislative branch reassert itself with the White House? And are we seeing hints of the GOP moving beyond President Trump?
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Guest: Paul Kane, Washington Post
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
CBS News: Congress gears up for busy week on health care, national security
Roll Call: Senate eyes NDAA passage next week amid aviation safety worries
WaPo: ‘Not an easy call’: The Democrats who struggled with their shutdown vote
WaPo: Texas midterms point to ideological corners, not swing-state issues
CNN: After a year of Trump-inspired inaction, some Republicans in Congress are growing restless
WSJ: Trump’s Next Renovation Target: D.C.’s Golf Courses
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On a new episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by the Wall Street Journal’s Olivia Beavers to discuss the increasingly tense relationship between the speaker and some in his conference. With members questioning Speaker Johnson’s leadership, can he maintain control of his majority? Will lawmakers be able to address voter affordability concerns? Can Congress pass anything the rest of the year? And what does it all mean for the midterms less than a year from now?
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Guest: Olivia Beavers, Wall Street Journal
Audio Producer: Benji Englander
Video Producer: Regina Anderson
Articles Discussed:
WSJ: Trump Ally Elise Stefanik Attacks Speaker Johnson’s Leadership
WSJ: Congress Turns Chaotic as Lawmakers Target Each Other
Puck: Johnson’s Career Crisis & The House G.O.P. Exodus
NBC News: Some House Republican women are in open revolt against Speaker Mike Johnson
POLITICO: Mike Johnson scrambles to pass Pentagon bill as GOP ranks seethe
The Hill: House cancels vote on the SCORE Act amid GOP opposition
NYT: Trump Blasts Lawmaker for Remaining Democrat After Receiving Pardon
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