CONTROL

On a new episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by the Wall Street Journal’s Olivia Beavers to discuss the increasingly tense relationship between the speaker and some in his conference. With members questioning Speaker Johnson’s leadership, can he maintain control of his majority? Will lawmakers be able to address voter affordability concerns? Can Congress pass anything the rest of the year? And what does it all mean for the midterms less than a year from now?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Olivia Beavers, Wall Street Journal Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: WSJ: Trump Ally Elise Stefanik Attacks Speaker Johnson’s Leadership WSJ: Congress Turns Chaotic as Lawmakers Target Each Other Puck: Johnson’s Career Crisis & The House G.O.P. Exodus NBC News: Some House Republican women are in open revolt against Speaker Mike Johnson POLITICO: Mike Johnson scrambles to pass Pentagon bill as GOP ranks seethe The Hill: House cancels vote on the SCORE Act amid GOP opposition NYT: Trump Blasts Lawmaker for Remaining Democrat After Receiving Pardon

Marjorie Taylor Greene heads for the exit and four members face formal reprimand votes – what does it all say about the state of the House of Representatives? Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss another whirlwind week on Capitol Hill, touching on MTG, censures, FBI investigations, appropriations and more. Then, former congressman Patrick McHenry joins to share his analysis of the recent eruptions on the House floor and the factors driving discontent in the Republican Conference, predictions for the midterms, and advice for leadership on both sides of the aisle.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Patrick McHenry Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Punchbowl News: Why MTG's missive rang true for House GOP Axios: The worst good-paying job in America New York Times: In the House, Censures Proliferate, Reflecting a Poisonous Climate New York Times: ‘In Triage Every Day’: A Beleaguered Speaker Says He’s Overwhelmed NBC News: FBI seeks interviews with six Democrats Trump accused of 'seditious behavior' CBS News: Lindsey Graham blocks House-passed bill to repeal shutdown deal provision allowing $500,000 lawsuits from senators Roll Call: GOP goes all out to hold Tennessee seat as Democrats look for 2026 omen Punchbowl News: Inside Michael Whatley’s N.C. Senate bid Ballotpedia: List of U.S. House incumbents who are not running for re-election in 2026

With the government reopened and the House back in session, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller look back on this history-making shutdown to glean lessons for future fights. Then they look ahead to upcoming votes on the Epstein files and condemning Rep. Chuy Garcia. Plus, are we seeing a new Marjorie Taylor Greene? And is the appropriations process back on track?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: POLITICO: Trump signs bill ending longest government shutdown in US history Reuters: After Trump reversal, US House pushes forward on Epstein vote CNN: ‘Humbly, I’m sorry’: Marjorie Taylor Greene says she’s turning a new leaf after years of divisive comments Axios: House Dems fail to stop internal revolt on condemning Chuy García POLITICO: The next shutdown threat is around the corner

The government shutdown nears its end and the recriminations are flying fast. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller react to the breakthrough in the Senate and forecast a few possible hiccups in the House. Then, Adam Jentleson, President of the Searchlight Institute and former top aide to Harry Reid, joins the show to offer a Democratic perspective on the shutdown and debate the future of the filibuster.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Adam Jentleson Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: NYT: Senate Moves Toward Ending Shutdown After Democratic Defectors Relent NBC News: Democrats rebel after 8 senators cut a deal to end the shutdown without ACA funds Axios: Here's why Congressional Democrats are furious over the shutdown deal Punchbowl: Johnson faces multitude of challenges in House vote to reopen government POLITICO: House to return to laundry list of controversies after 7-week hiatus Fox News: Trump pushes Republicans to end Senate filibuster Bloomberg: A History of the Filibuster as the Root of Senate Dysfunction

Congress has a set a record with the longest government shutdown in history. As talks pick up, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller wonder if this is the week a deal emerges. Then, the hosts take a step back with the help of Carl Hulse, the New York Times’ Chief Washington Correspondent, to examine the broader dynamics shaping action on Capitol Hill. What has differentiated this shutdown from past fights? Is the current dysfunction reversible? Can lawmakers reassert their authority? Is the filibuster doomed? All that and more only on CONTROL.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Carl Hulse, New York Times Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: Roll Call: Bipartisan talks to end shutdown gaining steam, senators say Politico: John Thune says he is ‘optimistic’ Senate will move to end shutdown this week Politico: ‘Utterly shameful’: Congress to crush US record this week for longest shutdown Fox News: Sen. John Thune slams Democrats in fiery floor speech: ‘This isn’t a political game’ Axios: Senator objects to leaving D.C. for long weekend as SNAP benefits run dry The Hill: Democrats up 8 points on generic ballot: Survey NYT: Shutdowns, Obamacare and the Risks of Bargaining for Policy Wins in a Crisis   NYT: What Is the Filibuster and Why Does Trump Want It Gone?

As the government shutdown drags on, negotiations on the appropriations bills have taken a backseat. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Punchbowl News’ Samantha Handler to learn what has been going on behind the scenes. How far apart are the House and Senate? Why have defense hawks gone quiet? And is a deal even possible or are we headed for another CR?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Samantha Handler, Punchbowl News Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: AP: Senate rejects bills to pay federal workers during government shutdown Punchbowl News: Thune skeptical of ‘rifle-shot’ bills NBC News: Largest federal workers union calls for an end to the shutdown, putting pressure on Democrats Punchbowl News: Washington begins to confront the funding unthinkable Roll Call: Appropriations chairman bullish on full-year spending bills after shutdown Boston Globe: Susan Collins has reached one of the most powerful positions in Washington. It could hardly come at a worse time.

This week Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by GOP Representative Kevin Kiley (CA-03) to hear his perspective on the ongoing shutdown. The Congressman discusses why he continues showing up to Capitol Hill, his problems with Speaker Johnson’s decision to keep the House away, and why he still believes in public service.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Rep. Kevin Kiley Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: The Hill: Thune: Time to think about House returning to DC to vote on government funding NBC News: Democrats rally at No Kings to protest Trump — but many say they're also unhappy with their own party WaPo: Senate blocks military spending bill as shutdown drags on New York Times: The Lonely House Republican Still Coming to Work During the Shutdown WBUR: Why Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley wants to stop the national fight over redistricting

How Does the Shutdown End? Feat. Mychael Schnell   With the government shutdown dragging on into another week, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss how Congress got to this point and what may break the stalemate. Then, MSNBC congressional reporter Mychael Schnell joins the show to share what she is hearing on Capitol Hill and what pain points still exist to force a deal.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Mychael Schnell, MSNBC Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: Punchbowl: White House: We’re ready for a long shutdown Politico: Democrats are in a GOP shutdown vise The Hill: Jeffries, Lawler get into confrontation over ObamaCare: ‘You’re embarrassing yourself’ Fox News: Senate GOP resists 'nuclear option' as Dem shutdown standoff deepens MSNBC: Private GOP call reveals early fissures over Mike Johnson’s shutdown strategy

Phil Mattingly, CNN's Chief Domestic Correspondent, delves into the intricate web of government funding negotiations and the impact of OMB director Russ Vought. He reveals how Vought's strategic evolution has aimed at diminishing congressional spending authority over time. The discussion highlights the political calculus behind targeted budget cuts, the administration’s broad interpretation of shutdown powers, and the subtle dynamics between Trump and Vought. Mattingly assesses whether Congress can regain its spending authority amidst the current standoff.

With funding set to lapse in just hours, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss if a deal can be reached to avoid a government shutdown – and if not, how leaders will get out of one. Then they are joined by Seven Letter partner Mike Ricci, a top adviser to two GOP speakers, for a trip down memory lane as they revisit the 2013 government shutdown. What was the strategy going into and during the fight? When did things start going off the rails? And what lessons does that experience offer Democrats?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Mike Ricci Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson   Articles Discussed: AP: Congressional leaders leave White House meeting without deal to avoid government shutdown NYT: How Congressional Leaders Are Positioning Themselves in the Shutdown Fight Politico: Johnson urges GOP unity as shutdown deadline nears WaPo: White House begins plan for mass firings if there’s a government shutdown WaPo: Government shutdowns high on drama, but low on long-term political impact AP: A look at previous government shutdowns and how they ended