The Daily Punch The Readback: Andrew talks UNGA
Sep 27, 2025
Andrew Desiderio, a senior congressional reporter at Punchbowl News, shares insights from the U.N. General Assembly. He discusses the complex debate surrounding the potential repeal of Syria sanctions and highlights differing congressional views. The talk shifts to strategies involving sanctions to pressure Russia, featuring insights from lawmakers like Rep. Young Kim and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. As the threat of a government shutdown looms, Andrew also touches on how it might impact foreign policy legislation. They wrap up with a fun chat about the Philadelphia Phillies' playoff chances.
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Panels With Key Lawmakers At UNGA
- Andrew moderated World Economic Forum panels with Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Young Kim, and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse at UNGA side events in New York.
- The sessions covered Syria, Russia/Ukraine, and climate, mixing formal event context with candid lawmaker remarks.
Congress Splits Over Syria Sanctions
- A Senate-House split exists over repealing Syria sanctions in the NDAA, with the Senate version including repeal and the House not.
- Meeks urged caution: he supports engagement but wants verification and incentives before lifting sanctions.
Trust But Verify Before Lifting Sanctions
- Meeks recommended 'trust but verify' before removing sanctions and insisted on incentives to keep progress moving.
- He advised reviewing NDAA language carefully to ensure the new Syrian government remains accountable.