Anna is joined by Punchbowl News Reporter Max Cohen to break down Democrats’ push for a high-stakes leadership meeting on government funding. Plus: A look at the Senate’s weekend meltdown over nominations, and why Texas Democrats are fleeing the state in the latest redistricting fight. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at...
Aug 04, 2025•12 min
Portal newsletter author Samantha Handler discusses Sen. Rand Paul's effort to strip out language that would close a hemp regulatory loophole in the FY2026 Ag funding bill. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Aug 02, 2025•12 min
Democrats are breaking from tradition, moving to block arms sales to Israel amid growing concerns over the war in Gaza. Anna and Jake break it all down. Plus, President Donald Trump’s pitch for tariff rebate checks is falling flat — even among Republicans. And GOP super PACs are outraising their Democratic rivals ahead of the 2026 midterms. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congres...
Aug 01, 2025•13 min
Who’s cashing in during earmark season? Anna and Jake break down how Sen. Susan Collins is flexing her power — and what it means for Maine. Plus, can the Senate strike a minibus deal before the August recess? And Republicans' big bet on Latino candidates in 2026. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn ...
Jul 31, 2025•14 min
As early as today, Texas Republicans will release their proposed new congressional map for the Lone Star State. Anna and Jake discuss the Democrats who are most directly in the danger zone. Plus, a look at the evolving norms surrounding Senate nominations. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more ab...
Jul 30, 2025•15 min
Anna and Jake discuss how John Thune must somehow balance a vengeful president, unhappy conservatives, worried GOP moderates and Democrats, all while seeking to protect the Senate’s institutional power and his own majority. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
Jul 29, 2025•12 min
Anna and Jake break down the latest developments in the Senate as Republicans look for a path forward on appropriations and President Donald Trump’s nominees. Plus, the Senate Leadership Fund is launching a digital ad blitz against former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper as the Democrat readies a Senate run. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl ...
Jul 28, 2025•14 min
Mica Soellner breaks down the Jeffrey Epstein drama that paralyzed the House this week. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 26, 2025•10 min
Anna and Jake break down Democrats’ redistricting strategy and the challenges they face in pushing back against President Trump’s push to shift the House map in the GOP’s favor. Plus: a look at how Republicans are working to change public opinion on the One Big Beautiful Bill ahead of the midterm elections. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl...
Jul 25, 2025•17 min
President Donald Trump is no longer steering the narrative on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The House Oversight Committee is moving forward with subpoenas — despite Trump's efforts to rally his base and downplay the issue. Anna and Jake break down what this means politically. Plus: a preview of the intensifying GOP Senate primary battle in Georgia. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from ...
Jul 24, 2025•13 min
Anna is joined by Punchbowl News Reporter Max Cohen to break down the five things to watch before the midterm elections, from government funding to President Donald Trump’s Epstein problems. Plus: Republicans are placing a big bet on Latino voters in their Texas redistricting gambit. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at p...
Jul 23, 2025•13 min
Anna and Jake discuss the current state of government funding, the challenges faced by congressional leaders and the implications of the Epstein documents on the House Rules Committee. Plus, a look ahead to 2026: how redistricting strategies are already taking shape — and what that could mean for Republicans’ chances of holding onto their majority. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from...
Jul 22, 2025•14 min
Anna and Jake break down the latest developments in Washington as Congress heads toward its August recess. Will President Trump's push to keep the Senate in session to confirm his nominees succeed? They also explore the growing race to replace Rep. Mark Green as the next Republican chair of the Homeland Security Committee, and share all the latest updates on Texas redistricting. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want mo...
Jul 21, 2025•11 min
Vault co-author Brendan Pedersen breaks down how Crypto Week was a disaster for House GOP leadership. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 19, 2025•9 min
For our July Leader Look, Anna and Jake take a look at how Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have been doing. Plus, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is teeing up a key vote to test whether there’s going to be a shutdown fight in September. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. ...
Jul 18, 2025•14 min
Punchbowl News Policy Reporter Samantha Handler joins Max Cohen to discuss the ways content creators are disrupting how people consume media. They’re shaking up Hollywood, too. Plus, details from Samantha's conversation with Dude Perfect's CEO Andrew Yaffe. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 17, 2025•13 min
Anna and Jake discuss California Democrats’ ambitious and potentially expensive plan to squeeze between five and seven more Democratic seats out of their congressional map. Plus, Senate Republicans passed President Donald Trump’s $9B rescissions package. Now the question remains: what will Democrats do? And what does this mean for the appropriations process? Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily cov...
Jul 17, 2025•15 min
The Senate narrowly advanced the White House’s $9 billion rescissions package late Tuesday night, but the bigger story: who opposed the procedural votes and why. Anna and Jake discuss the trio of GOP appropriators who voted against moving forward with the Republican-only effort. Plus, another huge, politically charged deadline looms at the end of the year: the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire. The stakes? 4.2 million Americans could lose health insurance cover...
Jul 16, 2025•15 min
Technology Reporter Diego Munhoz joins Anna to talk about some of the key individuals and institutions driving the energy sector for years to come. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 15, 2025•14 min
All eyes are on the rescissions package and what happens in the Senate this week. OMB Chief Russell Vought is set to meet with Senate Republicans today as Senate Majority Leader John Thune tries to find the votes. Plus, former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is coming to Capitol Hill today. Democrats plan to hammer him on Signalgate and much more in his confirmation hearing to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Anna and Jake preview what to expect. Punchbowl News is on YouTu...
Jul 15, 2025•12 min
Anna and Jake discuss the latest on rescissions as President Trump places maximum pressure on Senate Republicans to support the White House-drafted package. Plus, inside House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democrats’ messaging strategy in response to reconciliation. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.new...
Jul 14, 2025•14 min
Portal author Samantha Handler takes you behind the scenes of the Senate drama over relocating the FBI headquarters. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 12, 2025•10 min
It’s Leader Look time! Anna and Jake discuss how Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are doing. Plus, President Donald Trump is putting down the hammer on Senate Republicans in an effort to get them to vote for his $9 billion rescissions package by the end of next week. Anna and Jake take a look at where things stand. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage fro...
Jul 11, 2025•16 min
T-minus 82 days until the government-funding deadline and the appropriations process is getting messy. Anna and Jake discuss the latest developments. Plus, MAGA world is melting down over an alleged Epstein cover up. And now, Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen is entering the fray. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punch...
Jul 10, 2025•13 min
Watch this episode now on YouTube! The FY2026 government-funding deadline is just 83 days away. Will the government shut down? Anna and Jake discuss. Plus, the latest on the rescissions package in the Senate. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...
Jul 09, 2025•12 min
Senior Congressional Reporter Ally Mutnick joins Anna to discuss her interview with Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), to get his perspective on the future of energy. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 08, 2025•10 min
Anna and Jake discuss the backlash Republicans are facing over the reconciliation package. Plus, a look at Sen. Tim Kaine's efforts to challenge President Donald Trump. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 08, 2025•14 min
With OBBB in the rearview, Anna and Jake discuss what’s next in President Donald Trump’s Washington. Plus, the latest from the Canvass: a majority of top Capitol Hill staffers say the reconciliation bill’s cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will hurt Republicans in the midterm. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 07, 2025•15 min
Mica Soellner breaks down the changing dynamics of the House Freedom Caucus and how the One Big Beautiful Bill passed with only two Republicans voting against it after facing major opposition from GOP hardliners. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
Jul 05, 2025•14 min
Anna and Jake review five takeaways from the GOP reconciliation drama and how the One Big Beautiful Bill will impact the 2026 midterm elections. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 04, 2025•16 min
