CNN Political Briefing

The House passed a key bill to avoid a rail strike today, but it still needs to pass in the Senate. CNN’s Chris Cillizza explains the measure, on top of Democrats’ other priorities for the lame-duck session. Plus, House Democrats elected new leadership today, while GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy struggles to secure the votes for speaker.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Georgia Senate runoff is one week away from voters deciding if Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock will get another term, or if Republican Herchel Walker will make the Senate 50/50. CNN’s Chris Cillizza breaks down what both candidates and parties are doing for the race, and why its result matters.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawmakers are working to pass bills that would fund the government, codify same-sex and interracial marriage rights, and more in a matter of weeks. CNN’s Krista Bo explains what Congress aims to accomplish and what other political factors are at play in this lame duck session. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republicans take control of the House in January, and GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy wants to become the next speaker. CNN's Melanie Zanona explains why the math isn't working out so far, and how he's trying to change that. As he scrambles to lock down the votes for his speakership, McCarthy issued his strongest stance yet on the Biden administration's immigration policies and border security leadership, while the White House pushed back.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Justice Department faced off with Donald Trump’s lawyers today in a key hearing related to the Mar-a-Lago investigation. CNN’s Kristen Holmes explains how the newly appointed special counsel is handling his position overseeing the case. Plus, Holmes explains other key investigations at the federal and state level involving the former president.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats have a little over a month left before Republicans take control of the House. CNN’s Kristen Holmes explains their priorities in the little time they have left, including passing same-sex marriage and protections for DACA recipients. Plus, President Joe Biden considers a 2024 run in the context of the midterms and Donald Trump’s campaign launch.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now that Republicans are projected to have the majority in the House, they are preparing investigations on multiple fronts. CNN’s Chris Cillizza breaks down these investigations and a related update from Attorney General Merrick Garland. Plus, what will House leadership look like in the new year?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told lawmakers she will not run for reelection for Democratic leadership, but will remain a member of Congress. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how the #2 and #3 House Democrats followed suit, paving the way for a new generation to take power. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy did not attend Pelosi’s farewell speech, but he has been celebrating the new Republican majority.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After months of teasing it, former President Donald Trump throws his hat in the 2024 ring, amid his legal woes and his party’s poor performance in the midterms. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down Trump’s speech and the political reaction to it. Plus, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell fends off his first leadership challenge in 15 years.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While control of the House remains uncalled, Republicans in both chambers of Congress are debating on how to more forward from the lackluster election results. CNN’s Chris Cillizza explains the challenges both Republican leaders in Congress face. Plus, former President Donald Trump is expected to move on from midterms with a special announcement tonight. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices