CNN Political Briefing

Congress faces many deadlines in the coming days, including one to keep the government functioning. CNN’s Kristen Holmes breaks down where lawmakers are at in negotiations for an omnibus spending bill, and where House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy stands in his quest to become speaker. Plus, the January 6 House select committee has a big week coming up.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new CNN poll shows how extreme Americans view the political parties to be, and how confident they feel in the incoming GOP-led House. CNN’s Melanie Zanona explains the issues people expect Republicans to have positive and negative impacts on, as lawmakers scramble to avoid a government shutdown.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator Kyrsten Sinema is leaving the Democratic party and House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy is trying to lock down enough votes to become speaker. CNN’s Jeff Zeleny explains what Sinema’s decision could mean for Senate Democrats – and how House Republicans are preparing for a speakership showdown.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House passed two bills today, checking more items off Congress’ to-do list for this lame duck session. CNN’s Jeff Zeleny breaks down the Respect for Marriage Act and the National Defense Authorization Act and why these were priorities to pass as soon as possible. Plus, lawmakers still have to come up with an agreement to fund the government.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week could make it tougher for former President Donald Trump to make a political comeback. CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes explains the latest on the investigations and lawsuits involving Trump. The GOP is also reacting to Herschel Walker’s loss in the Georgia Senate runoff race – and debating what role Trump’s endorsement played.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Georgia Senate race nears its end, the two parties are now turning to 2024. But first, we’re checking former President Donald Trump’s scorecard as this year’s political cycle winds down. How did Trump’s endorsed candidates fare, and how does the GOP feel about his presidential candidacy? CNN’s Jeff Zeleny breaks down the latest reactions from politicos.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 vote finally begins tomorrow, after the November election sent it into a runoff. Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker are both vying to take the final seat of the midterms. CNN’s Jeff Zeleny explains the stakes, and how both sides are spending the race’s final hours.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron for an official state visit at the White House this week. CNN’s Kristen Holmes explains the significance of Macron’s trip and key issues the two leaders addressed. Plus, Biden also signed a bill to avoid a rail strike and addressed the latest jobs report.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While House Democrats race to wrap up investigations, Republicans reveal more of what could come when they take the House next month. CNN’s Melanie Zanona breaks down two committee investigations regarding former President Donald Trump’s tax returns and January 6. Plus, a bill meant to avert a devastating freight rail strike heads to President Joe Biden’s desk. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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