
The Daily Punch
Weekday mornings, The Daily Punch brings you inside Capitol Hill, the White House and Washington for an unfiltered look at the key players and stakes of all major issues of the day. Power. People. Politics. Hosted by Punchbowl News founders, journalists and best-selling authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman.
Latest episodes

May 23, 2025 • 10min
The Senate revs up
The discussion highlights the strategic maneuvering of key political figures like Speaker Mike Johnson and Donald Trump in passing a major legislative act. It delves into internal tensions within the House Freedom Caucus and anticipates Senate reactions to the reconciliation package. Additionally, the conversation addresses the competitive landscape among Senate Republicans and the implications of rising grocery prices tied to credit card interchange rates. The dynamics of legislative negotiations are examined, revealing the complexities of modern governance.

4 snips
May 22, 2025 • 8min
Johnson on the brink of a big win
A pivotal legislative maneuver looks set to reshape healthcare and tax policies, stirring discussions among House Republicans. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are grappling with a fierce internal conflict over cryptocurrency regulations and campaign funding. On the ground, debates about credit card interchange rates spark tension, with implications for grocery prices. As Rajna Krishnamoorthy ramps up fundraising efforts for a competitive Senate race, the political landscape grows increasingly turbulent.

May 21, 2025 • 13min
Will reconciliation hit the House floor today?
Tensions rise as the House Rules Committee gears up for a crucial GOP reconciliation bill vote. Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership is put to the test amid a storm of amendments. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces a fierce debate over institutional rules, particularly challenging environmental regulations in California. Additionally, the Democratic effort to find a formidable candidate to oppose Senator Susan Collins in Maine adds to the political intrigue. With a looming deadline, uncertainty cloaks potential legislative moves.

May 20, 2025 • 10min
The Future of Medicine: Legislative Landscape
Max Cohen, a Congressional Reporter for Punchbowl News, joins Anna Palmer to delve into the evolving landscape of medical legislation. They discuss Congressional Republicans' efforts to roll back parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, which has stirred debate over drug pricing. Cohen highlights the contrasting perspectives on the EPIC Act and the Orphan Cures Act, emphasizing how recent political moves, including Trump-era Executive Orders, shape the future of pharmaceutical innovation and access to new treatments.

May 20, 2025 • 14min
Welcome to the game, Mr. President
President Trump takes center stage on Capitol Hill, urging House Republicans to unite behind a pivotal bill. As factions within the party clash over key issues, tensions simmer regarding protest-related assault charges against a Representative. Meanwhile, the Genius Act makes strides, gaining unexpected bipartisan support for regulating stable coins. With negotiations heating up, the political landscape remains charged, highlighting the challenges ahead for both parties.

4 snips
May 19, 2025 • 15min
Budget clears reconciliation
House Republicans are grappling with tough negotiations after the Budget Committee's approval of a reconciliation bill, highlighting rifts between conservatives and moderates. Tensions over Medicaid amendments loom large as Congress faces deadlines. Meanwhile, the chaotic Illinois Senate primary is heating up, with Rep. Lauren Underwood potentially reshaping the race. The podcast also explores new campaign strategies in response to the digital age, as candidates leverage social media to connect with voters ahead of midterms.

May 17, 2025 • 15min
The Readback: The all-night markup survival guide
Laura Weiss, a tax expert at Punchbowl News and co-author of Vault, dives into the House Ways and Means Committee's grueling 17-and-a-half-hour markup of the GOP tax bill. She shares insights from the late-night session, revealing the intense atmosphere and challenges during such marathon discussions. A heated exchange over the contested SALT Amendment highlights ideological divides within the Republican party. With a dose of humor, Weiss also recounts the amusing exhaustion of lawmakers, like a congressman dozing off mid-session.

May 16, 2025 • 15min
The GOP's last-minute mess
Speaker Mike Johnson faces a rebellion within the House GOP over a controversial reconciliation proposal. Tensions rise as factions clash, potentially jeopardizing key legislation. Meanwhile, the Michigan Senate race heats up as a Democratic representative navigates tricky political waters, careful not to appear too tied to Washington insiders. This exploration of internal party dynamics and strategic maneuvering offers a glimpse into the challenges shaping current Republican policy and electoral strategies.

May 15, 2025 • 13min
The biggest reconciliation meeting yet
Speaker Mike Johnson aims to unite the divided House GOP factions amid urgent legislative deadlines. The struggle over the SALT cap highlights tensions within the party and the electoral stakes at play. Additionally, discussions shed light on Donald Trump's growing role in Senate nominations, as well as the critical race for 5G leadership between the U.S. and China. Political dynamics shift dramatically as both party collaboration and the influence of Trump shape the future of legislation.

May 14, 2025 • 16min
Inside the marathon markups
Tension brews as House committees grapple with GOP tax and Medicaid changes. The podcast explores the complex tug-of-war between the House and Senate over crucial legislation, revealing the challenges of negotiation and rule enforcement. It also highlights Representative Bill Huizenga's strategic preparations for a potential Senate run, including key staffing decisions. Meanwhile, the widening gap in 5G technology between the US and China raises critical discussions about economic growth and political influence.