CONTROL

On a special bonus episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down how Speaker Johnson got the foreign aid package over the line and what the fallout may be. Will he survive a Motion to Vacate? Can the “coalition government” of Republicans and Democrats keep the House functioning? And what else can Congress get done the rest of the year?

Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller

Producer: Benji Englander

Art...

Iran’s attack on Israel has scrambled the House calendar – with an aid package now the top priority. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller debate what will be included and how it can get through Congress. Then, they turn their attention down south where former President Trump offered support for Speaker Johnson, who also scored a win with the FISA vote. Can he capitalize on the momentum or will failed ...

The solar eclipse has come and gone, but the Motion to Vacate still casts a shadow over Speaker Johnson. On the latest episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the paths available for Speaker Johnson to both pass Ukraine aid and keep his job. Plus, they talk about the impending impeachment trial for Secretary Mayorkas and try to make sense of the major retirements among committee chairs.

Hosts: Brendan B...

Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to vacate the chair, so there is only one thing Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller can do – emergency pod! They cover all the angles of this surprise development, including Greene’s options, her motivation and how much support she has.

Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller

Produ...

House Republicans are back from their retreat and CONTROL is back on shutdown watch. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the latest in the spending negotiations and if the dispute over border security funding will lead to a government shutdown. Then, they talk about the low morale in the GOP conference, as evidenced by the low turnout at last week’s retreat and the surprise retirement of Rep. Ken Buck. Finally, they ques...

In a rare week without a shutdown deadline, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller take stock of the latest appropriations negotiations and some other topics being discussed around the Hill, including Ukraine funding, impeachment, and the fallout from SOTU. Then, the pair analyze the state of the Senate leadership races: who’s in, who’s out, and who’s keeping their powder dry. Plus, a game of “What Political News Reached Annalyse o...

With Annalyse on vacation, Brendan Buck is at the controls during a busy week on Capitol Hill. First, following Senator Mitch McConnell’s announcement that he’s stepping down as Republican Leader, Brendan welcomes Paul Kane of the Washington Post to talk about how McConnell changed the Senate and explain the dividing lines in the Republican Conference as it chooses its next leader. Plus, it’s SOTU week! Mike Ricci – Seven Letter Pa...

With Congress facing a partial government shutdown at the end of the week, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the roadblocks to funding the government and Speaker Johnson’s continued struggle to lead the Republican conference. They talk about the threats Johnson faces from the House Freedom Caucus in moving a spending package and efforts to advance Ukraine foreign aid legislation. Plus, they debate...

With Speaker Johnson announcing he won’t put the Senate’s foreign aid bill on the House floor, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down the looming showdown and what options are available to pass the aid package. Later, they talk about how the House’s efforts to impeach Secretary Mayorkas and pass Israel funding fell apart, Speaker Johnson’s leadership style, and why listeners should not forget...

With the text of the Senate border bill finally released but the package facing long odds at ever becoming law, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss how Congress ended up in this position and how lawmakers might move forward on immigration, Ukraine, Israel, taxes, and more. Then, they are joined by Dan Conston, President of the Congressional Leadership Fund, to talk about the upcoming NY special elec...

While Congress moves closer to an appropriations package, the prospect of an immigration deal is becoming more remote. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by NBC News’ Sahil Kapur to break down the dynamics at play between the House, the Senate and the White House. They examine the relationship between Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader McConnell, debate the influence of President Biden a...

The laddered CR is back as lawmakers released another two-tiered stopgap spending bill to again avert a government shutdown. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Jen Sholtes, who covers budget and appropriations for POLITICO, to talk about the appropriations process, the challenges facing House Speaker Mike Johnson and the potential for a year-long CR if Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills. They also tal...

CONTROL is a podcast hosted by Seven Letter’s Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller, two veterans of Capitol Hill who now serve as communications strategists to Fortune 500 companies, non-profits and advocacy coalitions. Drawing on their experience in GOP congressional politics, the podcast seeks to look around the corner at the policy priorities and political dynamics that will define Congress.

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