CONTROL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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