CONTROL

On the second of a two-part series examining how the parties are approaching the upcoming midterm elections, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by Mike Smith, president of House Majority PAC. They discuss the Democrats plan to take back the House, bellwether races to watch, and the impact of a surging left wing. Plus, Speaker Mike Johnson looks to advance key priorities: Reconciliation 3.0, a CR, the NDAA and a ban on stock trading.  Note: With the House headed into a long recess and Annalyse headed on maternity leave, this will be the last episode of CONTROL for several months. Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci Guest: Mike Smith, House Majority PAC Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson Articles Discussed: Punchbowl: Four big GOP bills for the House’s last week WaPo: Four competing priorities bog down Republicans ahead of midterms POLITICO: Senate GOP isn’t sold on Mike Johnson’s budget blueprint POLITICO: The Senate GOP’s squeaky wheel suddenly has a lot of power WSJ: Democrats Go on Offense With $272 Million Ad Strategy NYT: In Trump’s Second Midterm, Democrats Are Looking for Fighters Roll Call: Democratic socialists’ primary wins give Trump new midterms attack lines

On the first of a two-part series examining how the parties are approaching the upcoming midterm elections, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by Brendan Jaspers, political director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. They cover the key battlegrounds as well as the impact of a recent SCOTUS ruling allowing political parties to spend unlimited funds in direct coordination with candidates. Plus, reactions to the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham and continued gridlock in the House.   Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci Guest: Brendan Jaspers, NRSC Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: AP: Lindsey Graham’s journey from a pool hall to the heights of political power AP: From staunch critic to fierce ally: Graham’s long, strange and consequential friendship with Trump NOTUS: With Lindsey Graham Gone, Republicans Worry They Lost Their Trump Whisperer Axios: Inside Mike Johnson's déjà vu cycle of failed rule votes Washington Examiner: Johnson confronts GOP rebellion over SAVE America Act as House returns to Washington WSJ: A Zombie Congress Is Threatening Trump’s Agenda AP: Republicans see their grip on Senate tighten amid Democrats’ dysfunction in Maine The Hill: Democrats fear chances of winning Senate may be slipping away NBC News: Sen. Dan Sullivan accuses Democrats of recruiting Alaska Senate candidate with the same name NYT: Supreme Court Lifts Spending Limits on Political Parties and Candidates

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

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.

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