Podcast Episodes

Could Congress punt on funding for the year?

It’s Day 22 of the shutdown and a year-long CR could be on the table. Jake and Anna break down what that would mean for Speaker Mike Johnson, appropriators and the rest of Washington.

Plus: Redistric…

Published on 1 week, 2 days ago

Shutdown Day 21: Healthcare takes center stage

It’s Day 21 of the government shutdown and the fight over Obamacare is front and center in Washington.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is floating a one-year CR as health care premium hikes dominat…

Published on 1 week, 3 days ago

Do Democrats now have an off ramp?

The shutdown hits Day 20 — and pressure is mounting as Nov. 1 looms. Jake breaks down Schumer’s next move, a potential off-ramp for Democrats and why this week could be decisive. 

Plus: Hakeem Jeffri…

Published on 1 week, 4 days ago

The Readback: A dispatch from Finchella

Punchbowl News Financial Services Reporter Brendan Pedersen recaps his interviews at D.C. Fintech Week, aka Finchella.

Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbow…

Published on 1 week, 6 days ago

Scalise draws a line on Obamacare

Day 17 of the shutdown — and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is drawing a hard line. Anna and Jake break down their Fly Out Day conversation with Scalise, fresh FEC numbers in the fight for the H…

Published on 2 weeks ago

Fly Out Day: Inside the shutdown with Steve Scalise

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joins Anna and Jake at the Punchbowl News Townhouse to take us inside the government shutdown, now on its 16th day. • Shutdown: Scalise brushed off concern…

Published on 2 weeks ago

How Thune manages Trump

It’s Day 16 of the government shutdown and there's still no resolution. Jake and Anna discuss Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s delicate balancing act with President Donald Trump.

Plus: Big takeaw…

Published on 2 weeks, 1 day ago

A big week in the battle for the House

Anna and Jake break down how the redistricting battles are shaping the 2026 landscape — with the Supreme Court hearing a pivotal Voting Rights Act case and state-level fights playing out coast to coa…

Published on 2 weeks, 2 days ago

White House: We’re ready for a long shutdown

It’s Day 14 of the government shutdown — and the White House is settling in for the long haul. As President Trump hosts foreign leaders in Washington, his administration is quietly finding ways to bl…

Published on 2 weeks, 3 days ago

Shutdown Day 13: House gone, Trump in Israel

It’s Day 13 of the government shutdown — and the House has gone AWOL. As President Trump travels through the Middle East, Washington faces a striking split screen: a major diplomatic moment abroad wh…

Published on 2 weeks, 4 days ago