Democrats are bristling at the decision by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to vote for a GOP bill averting a government shutdown. Senior politics reporter Aaron Blake speaks with congressional reporter Marianna Sotomayor to get a behind-the-scenes look at the politics of the shutdown vote. He also breaks down the latest tariff news and Elon Musk drama with David Lynch, a financial writer for The Washington Post, and Trisha Thadani, a Post technology reporter. Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Reena Flores and Rachel Van Dongen.  Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Mehmet Oz is President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a massive agency that oversees health coverage for more than 100 million Americans, including older adults, those with low incomes and children. Oz is a cardiothoracic surgeon and former professor at Columbia University who became a household name when he started appearing on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2004 and then hosted his own show, “The Dr. Oz Show,” from 2009 to 2022. On Friday, Oz will face federal lawmakers in a Senate hearing as he seeks confirmation to run CMS, an agency that has a more than trillion-dollar budget and could face spending cuts in the budget year ahead. Today on “Post Reports,” health accountability reporter Lauren Weber explains why he may face questions about his past, his investments and possible conflicts of interest.Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was edited by Peter Bresnan with help from Maggie Penman and Lynh Bui. It was mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Fez Siddiqui, The Post’s DOGE reporter, dives into the ongoing upheaval at the Department of Government Efficiency, sparked by dramatic budget cuts under Elon Musk's leadership. He discusses the backlash from citizens and federal workers, alongside DOGE’s efforts to improve its image through technology. Siddiqui also tackles the implications of a controversial White House press conference that blurred the lines between governance and Tesla promotion, raising questions about the intersections of politics and corporate interests.

Maria Sacchetti, an immigration reporter for The Washington Post, sheds light on the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a student activist and legal permanent resident. They discuss the implications of his detention by immigration officers, despite no evidence of wrongdoing. The conversation touches on the chilling effects on free speech and activism in academic circles, with broader concerns about government policies impacting campus dissent. Sacchetti also outlines the legal battles Khalil faces, highlighting the intersection of immigration law and political expression.

Abha Bhattarai, an economics correspondent for The Washington Post, dives into the financial landscape under Trump's presidency. She analyzes the impacts of tariffs and government policies on inflation and consumer behavior. The conversation touches on GDP as a crucial economic indicator and its fluctuations that signify broader uncertainties. Bhattarai discusses the troubling trends in job growth and the stagnant market, revealing how families are adapting to rising living costs and the emotional toll of economic strain.

Martine shares her farewell as she prepares for a new role covering the White House. Nostalgia fills the air as colleagues reminisce about their beginnings and discuss continuity in the show. The excitement of audio journalism is highlighted, emphasizing storytelling's importance in fast-paced news. There's a buzz around exploring diverse topics, from pop culture to sports, showcasing the dynamic fun in the newsroom and a promise of engaging future collaborations.

Christian Davenport, a space reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the ambitious plans for Mars colonization driven by figures like Elon Musk and political support from Donald Trump. He discusses the hurdles of securing funding and the complexities of lunar missions as stepping stones. Davenport highlights the risks of Mars exploration, including its extreme climate and the challenges of infrastructure. Furthermore, he examines the competitive landscape between the U.S. and China in space, emphasizing the need for global collaboration and innovation.

Carolyn Johnson, a science reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the turmoil at the National Institutes of Health since Trump's inauguration. She discusses how federal funding freezes have stalled crucial biomedical research, hindering scientists' progress. Johnson highlights the impact of political decisions on job security and the future of emerging scientific talent. The conversation sheds light on the broader implications for health research in the U.S., emphasizing the long-term effects of political instability on a generation of researchers.

Naftali Bendavid, Senior National Political Correspondent for The Washington Post, dives into Trump’s recent speech to Congress, where he boldly mentions Lesotho and tackles tariffs that may impact public sentiment. The discussion unpacks the polarized responses from both political sides and fact-checks Trump’s statements. Additionally, they explore the intriguing overlap between dogecoin and Trump’s stance on global relations with Ukraine, highlighting the dramatic elements and internal conflicts faced by Democrats trying to strategize their opposition.

Fenit Nirappil, a national health reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the alarming resurgence of measles in Texas. He discusses how vaccine skepticism, particularly in certain communities, has led to this outbreak. Listeners hear personal stories, including a mother whose unvaccinated child was infected. The podcast highlights the dire consequences of this situation, including a tragic loss of life, and emphasizes the urgent need for vaccinations to protect public health. Misinformation continues to challenge efforts for community safety.