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

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

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

Marjorie Taylor Greene heads for the exit and four members face formal reprimand votes – what does it all say about the state of the House of Representatives? Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss another whirlwind week on Capitol Hill, touching on MTG, censures, FBI investigations, appropriations and more. Then, former congressman Patrick McHenry joins to share his analysis of the recent eruptions on the House floor and the factors driving discontent in the Republican Conference, predictions for the midterms, and advice for leadership on both sides of the aisle.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Patrick McHenry Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Punchbowl News: Why MTG's missive rang true for House GOP Axios: The worst good-paying job in America New York Times: In the House, Censures Proliferate, Reflecting a Poisonous Climate New York Times: ‘In Triage Every Day’: A Beleaguered Speaker Says He’s Overwhelmed NBC News: FBI seeks interviews with six Democrats Trump accused of 'seditious behavior' CBS News: Lindsey Graham blocks House-passed bill to repeal shutdown deal provision allowing $500,000 lawsuits from senators Roll Call: GOP goes all out to hold Tennessee seat as Democrats look for 2026 omen Punchbowl News: Inside Michael Whatley’s N.C. Senate bid Ballotpedia: List of U.S. House incumbents who are not running for re-election in 2026

With the government reopened and the House back in session, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller look back on this history-making shutdown to glean lessons for future fights. Then they look ahead to upcoming votes on the Epstein files and condemning Rep. Chuy Garcia. Plus, are we seeing a new Marjorie Taylor Greene? And is the appropriations process back on track?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: POLITICO: Trump signs bill ending longest government shutdown in US history Reuters: After Trump reversal, US House pushes forward on Epstein vote CNN: ‘Humbly, I’m sorry’: Marjorie Taylor Greene says she’s turning a new leaf after years of divisive comments Axios: House Dems fail to stop internal revolt on condemning Chuy García POLITICO: The next shutdown threat is around the corner

The government shutdown nears its end and the recriminations are flying fast. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller react to the breakthrough in the Senate and forecast a few possible hiccups in the House. Then, Adam Jentleson, President of the Searchlight Institute and former top aide to Harry Reid, joins the show to offer a Democratic perspective on the shutdown and debate the future of the filibuster.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Adam Jentleson Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: NYT: Senate Moves Toward Ending Shutdown After Democratic Defectors Relent NBC News: Democrats rebel after 8 senators cut a deal to end the shutdown without ACA funds Axios: Here's why Congressional Democrats are furious over the shutdown deal Punchbowl: Johnson faces multitude of challenges in House vote to reopen government POLITICO: House to return to laundry list of controversies after 7-week hiatus Fox News: Trump pushes Republicans to end Senate filibuster Bloomberg: A History of the Filibuster as the Root of Senate Dysfunction

Congress has a set a record with the longest government shutdown in history. As talks pick up, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller wonder if this is the week a deal emerges. Then, the hosts take a step back with the help of Carl Hulse, the New York Times’ Chief Washington Correspondent, to examine the broader dynamics shaping action on Capitol Hill. What has differentiated this shutdown from past fights? Is the current dysfunction reversible? Can lawmakers reassert their authority? Is the filibuster doomed? All that and more only on CONTROL.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Carl Hulse, New York Times Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: Roll Call: Bipartisan talks to end shutdown gaining steam, senators say Politico: John Thune says he is ‘optimistic’ Senate will move to end shutdown this week Politico: ‘Utterly shameful’: Congress to crush US record this week for longest shutdown Fox News: Sen. John Thune slams Democrats in fiery floor speech: ‘This isn’t a political game’ Axios: Senator objects to leaving D.C. for long weekend as SNAP benefits run dry The Hill: Democrats up 8 points on generic ballot: Survey NYT: Shutdowns, Obamacare and the Risks of Bargaining for Policy Wins in a Crisis   NYT: What Is the Filibuster and Why Does Trump Want It Gone?

As the government shutdown drags on, negotiations on the appropriations bills have taken a backseat. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Punchbowl News’ Samantha Handler to learn what has been going on behind the scenes. How far apart are the House and Senate? Why have defense hawks gone quiet? And is a deal even possible or are we headed for another CR?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Samantha Handler, Punchbowl News Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: AP: Senate rejects bills to pay federal workers during government shutdown Punchbowl News: Thune skeptical of ‘rifle-shot’ bills NBC News: Largest federal workers union calls for an end to the shutdown, putting pressure on Democrats Punchbowl News: Washington begins to confront the funding unthinkable Roll Call: Appropriations chairman bullish on full-year spending bills after shutdown Boston Globe: Susan Collins has reached one of the most powerful positions in Washington. It could hardly come at a worse time.

This week Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by GOP Representative Kevin Kiley (CA-03) to hear his perspective on the ongoing shutdown. The Congressman discusses why he continues showing up to Capitol Hill, his problems with Speaker Johnson’s decision to keep the House away, and why he still believes in public service.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Rep. Kevin Kiley Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: The Hill: Thune: Time to think about House returning to DC to vote on government funding NBC News: Democrats rally at No Kings to protest Trump — but many say they're also unhappy with their own party WaPo: Senate blocks military spending bill as shutdown drags on New York Times: The Lonely House Republican Still Coming to Work During the Shutdown WBUR: Why Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley wants to stop the national fight over redistricting

How Does the Shutdown End? Feat. Mychael Schnell   With the government shutdown dragging on into another week, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss how Congress got to this point and what may break the stalemate. Then, MSNBC congressional reporter Mychael Schnell joins the show to share what she is hearing on Capitol Hill and what pain points still exist to force a deal.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Mychael Schnell, MSNBC Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: Punchbowl: White House: We’re ready for a long shutdown Politico: Democrats are in a GOP shutdown vise The Hill: Jeffries, Lawler get into confrontation over ObamaCare: ‘You’re embarrassing yourself’ Fox News: Senate GOP resists 'nuclear option' as Dem shutdown standoff deepens MSNBC: Private GOP call reveals early fissures over Mike Johnson’s shutdown strategy

With government funding negotiations at a standstill, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller explore what may break the deadlock and how long this standoff could last. Then, Brendan and Annalyse welcome Phil Mattingly, CNN's Chief Domestic Correspondent, to the show for a discussion about OMB director Russ Vought’s influence, how the Trump administration is handling the shutdown, and if Congress will reassert its spending authority.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: Politico: ‘I don't know why this is so complicated’: Shutdown could drag on for days Reuters: Another deadline in US shutdown: Will troops get paychecks on October 15? Politico: House will stay out of session next week as Senate works to solve shutdown CNN: Trump’s shutdown architect: Russ Vought’s plan to deconstruct the government was years in the making

With funding set to lapse in just hours, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss if a deal can be reached to avoid a government shutdown – and if not, how leaders will get out of one. Then they are joined by Seven Letter partner Mike Ricci, a top adviser to two GOP speakers, for a trip down memory lane as they revisit the 2013 government shutdown. What was the strategy going into and during the fight? When did things start going off the rails? And what lessons does that experience offer Democrats?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Mike Ricci Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: AP: Congressional leaders leave White House meeting without deal to avoid government shutdown NYT: How Congressional Leaders Are Positioning Themselves in the Shutdown Fight Politico: Johnson urges GOP unity as shutdown deadline nears WaPo: White House begins plan for mass firings if there’s a government shutdown WaPo: Government shutdowns high on drama, but low on long-term political impact AP: A look at previous government shutdowns and how they ended

Republicans and Democrats are gearing up for a shutdown and neither side appears ready to blink. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by HuffPost senior reporter Igor Bobic to break down the stalemate. They discuss the strange timeline, compare this debate to past shutdown fights, and question Senator Schumer’s endgame. Plus, will the GOP come to regret changing Senate rules? And will Congress conduct oversight of the FCC in the wake of the Jimmy Kimmel situation?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Igor Bobic, HuffPost Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Punchbowl: Both sides dig in as shutdown looms Politico: Tables turn for Democrats as they use shutdown for leverage Reuters: Democratic leaders in US Congress demand meeting with Trump as government shutdown looms Politico: Thune mocks Schumer’s shutdown stance: He ‘knows where my office is’ NBC News: Senate Republicans poke holes in the filibuster despite vowing to protect it HuffPost: GOP Senators Criticize FCC's Threats Against ABC And Jimmy Kimmel

After many close calls, is this the time Congress actually shuts down the government? With just two weeks left until funding runs out, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the state-of-play. Can Speaker Johnson wrangle enough votes again? Will soaring tensions in the Senate scuttle any deal? They also talk about the murder of Charlie Kirk and its impact on the security needs for Members of Congress. Then, Joel Payne – the Chief Communications Officer at MoveOn – joins the show to offer the Democrat perspective on the shutdown fight and share his advice for the path forward for the party.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Gust: Joel Payne, MoveOn Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: Punchbowl: Congress is barreling toward a shutdown The Hill: House GOP eyes stopgap into November to avert shutdown POLITICO: Trump to GOP: Vote yes on the ‘clean’ CR AP: Schumer warns of a shutdown if Republicans don’t accept Democrats’ health care demands CNN: White House requests $58 million in security funding from Congress following Kirk assassination NBC News: Senate Republicans trigger 'nuclear option,' changing rules to speed up Trump nominees POLITICO: MoveOn demands Schumer and Jeffries ‘hold the line’ on health care in shutdown fight

After an extended summer break, Congress is back in session with one major item on the to-do list: fund the government. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller debate the odds of a shutdown and the challenging dynamics facing Senate Minority Leader Schumer. They also discuss the latest with the Epstein case and the impending changes to confirming nominees in the Senate. Then, MSNBC’s Ali Vitali – host of “Way Too Early” and Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent – joins the show to offer her insights on Epstein, a potential shutdown, along with other items capturing the attention of Capitol Hill.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Ali Vitali, MSNBC Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: POLITICO: Congress splinters into unlikely factions over looming government shutdown Punchbowl: 22 days until the shutdown deadline. Republicans need a plan Breitbart: Exclusive—Senate Majority Leader John Thune: A Nominations Rules Change Is Coming The Hill: GOP sets out to fulfill Trump’s wishes on crime bill POLITICO: House Oversight receives Epstein estate files, including 'birthday book'

Six months into the Trump administration and with Congress headed out for a long summer recess, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin to take stock of where we are and where we might be headed. They cover President Trump’s interest – or lack thereof – in Congressional policy debates, the outlook for appropriations and what will be the defining issue of the midterm elections.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Jonathan Martin, POLITICO Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: New York Times: It Was Supposed to Be ‘Crypto Week’ in Congress. Then It Unraveled. POLITICO: Russ Vought: Appropriations process ‘has to be less bipartisan’ NBC News: Bipartisan government funding is at risk of dying in Trump's Washington POLITICO: Democrats seek shutdown strategy as White House plots to strip their power CNN: Johnson shuts door on House vote before September on releasing Epstein files POLITICO: How the GOP Regulars Won Over Donald Trump

With reconciliation in the rear-view mirror, the countdown is on to the next government funding deadline. But first Congress must deal with a rescissions package that is making the appropriations process even more contentious than usual. To break it all down, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by POLITICO’s Katherine Tully-McManus, a congressional reporter focused on budget and appropriations. Can the Freedom Caucus reassert themselves? What is Minority Leader Schumer’s plan? And how long can Congress continue passing CRs?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Katherine Tully-McManus, POLITICO Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: NBC News: Trump's push to claw back funding ignites a fight that threatens a government shutdown Punchbowl: Senate Approps hits pause amid escalating drama Axios: Schumer draws line in government funding fight POLITICO: A tough week for Susan Collins POLITICO: Cole: Hill GOP likely to pursue funding topline above White House request Axios: House "crypto week" could change how Americans use, save money

The One Big Beautiful Bill is now law, with the Freedom Caucus again at the center of the drama. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Matt Fuller, Congressional Bureau Chief at NOTUS and long-time chronicler of the Freedom Caucus, to discuss the group’s history, recent actions and future moves. Plus, reconciliation “Winners and Losers” and a look ahead to appropriations, rescissions, and a potential Reconciliation 2.0.    Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Matt Fuller, NOTUS Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Reuters: In July 4 ceremony, Trump signs tax and spending bill into law Politico: Inside the Freedom Caucus’ final surrender New York Times: Jeffries Breaks Record in Hourslong Speech Opposing Trump’s Policy Bill NOTUS: Celsius, All-Nighters and Stalling Votes: Mike Johnson’s Strategy to Get Members to ‘Yes’ Punchbowl: With OBBB in the rearview, here’s what’s next NOTUS: Senate Turns Its Attention to DOGE Cuts — With the Clock Ticking

As House and Senate leaders continue to move the One Big Beautiful Bill forward, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down the latest developments in Congress. They offer their reactions to Senator Tillis’ retirement announcement, forecast how both the Freedom Caucus and moderates may react to the changes put in the bill by the Senate, and wonder what the point of a vote-a-rama is. At the end, Semafor’s Eleanor Mueller shares what she’s hearing on Capitol Hill.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Eleanor Mueller, Semafor Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: NBC News: GOP Sen. Thom Tillis won't seek re-election in North Carolina after drawing Trump's ire Politico: GOP fight over clean energy threatens to derail megabill Fox News: Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' hits another snag in House as conservative caucus raises red flag Politico: Anxious House Republicans scramble to forestall Senate’s Medicaid cuts ABC News: Polls show Americans largely oppose Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' but are more split on Medicaid, immigration specifics Semafor: The wild-card fiscal hawk who may turn from ‘no’ to ‘yes’ on Trump’s megabill

As the self-imposed Fourth of July deadline nears, the Senate is set for a pivotal week in their efforts to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss changes to the bill from the “Byrd Bath” and what hurdles remain. Plus, they consider the Congressional reaction to strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Then, Punchbowl News Co-Founder John Bresnahan joins to share what he’s hearing on Capitol Hill about the OBBB and the potential for a vote on a War Powers Resolution.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: John Bresnahan, Punchbowl News Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: Punchbowl: When will reconciliation bill hit the Senate floor? Axios: Trump's "big, beautiful bill:" What's in, what's out Washington Examiner: Thune to keep Senate in session until reconciliation bill is passed New York Times: Iran Strikes Inflame War Powers Debate in Congress, Dividing Both Parties