The Daily Punch
1,445 episodes — Page 7 of 29
The Future of Energy: State of Play
Technology Reporter Diego Munhoz joins Anna Palmer to discuss the way energy production is evolving and how policymakers are working with the industry to address growing power demands. 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
Senate gears up to jam the House
The Senate is about to jam the House on reconciliation — and many GOP senators are cheering it on. Plus, President Donald Trump took on Iran without congressional approval and lawmakers are racing the clock to respond. Can Congress rein him in? Or is it already too late? 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
A monumental week for Trump
With 11 days until July 4, Anna and Jake discuss all things reconciliation as the GOP races to pass President Trump's legislative agenda. Plus, Trump's bombing of Iranian nuclear sites is dividing Democrats, with calls for War Powers votes and even impeachment on the table. 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
The Readback: Create a new financial system with one weird trick
Vault co-author Brendan Pedersen breaks down the Genius Act, the first piece of crypto legislation ever passed by the Senate. 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
The Byrd begins its bath
Punchbowl News Reporter Max Cohen is back to talk all things reconciliation as the Senate Finance Committee begins its “Byrd Bath” process. Plus, the Georgia GOP is on edge as they wait for a signal from President Donald Trump on endorsements in the state's Senate race. 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
A big, beautiful bust
Jake is joined by Punchbowl News Reporter Max Cohen to discuss new polling that paints a grim picture for the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill. Plus, Ohio Republicans are weighing how ruthless to be in redistricting, and more. 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
What Dems want to knock out of reconciliation
Anna and Jake discuss the threats to the Senate GOP’s July 4 reconciliation rush. Plus, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth returns to Capitol Hill today as the war between Israel and Iran rages on. 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
Inside the Senate GOP's tough reconciliation negotiation
Anna and Jake discuss the Senate GOP's tough reconciliation negotiation. Plus, as Israel and Iran continue their deadly conflict, senators in Washington are offering rhetorical support for Israel — but little else. 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
A short but busy week in the Senate
Congress responds to the assassination and attempted assassination of two Minnesota state lawmakers. Plus, Senate Finance Committee Republicans will release long-awaited legislative text for its portion of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” 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
The Readback: Outrage in the Senate over Padilla chaos
Andrew Desiderio breaks down the Senate's response to California Sen. Alex Padilla getting shoved and thrown to the floor by federal agents at DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday. 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
War abroad. Chaos at home.
Anna and Jake discuss the Israeli attacks against Iranian nuclear and military sites on Thursday night. Plus, in the United States, the national political scene is on the verge of boiling over. Anna and Jake reflect on this brutally partisan 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
The Creator Economy: Setting the Stage
Punchbowl News Technology Reporter Ben Brody joins Max Cohen to discuss the impact content creators have on the U.S. economy and the policy conversation in Washington. Plus, details from his conversation with Kent Rollins, an Oklahoma-based chef known on YouTube as Cowboy Kent. Check out The Creator Economy. 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
'To hell with Congress'
Anna and Jake discuss FY2026 funding as the House is set to vote today on a $9 billion-plus rescissions package. Plus, the Senate makes moves to change the "Big, Beautiful Bill." 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
How the White House is selling Trump’s agenda
Anna and Jake discuss how the White House is selling President Donald Trump’s agenda to Senate Republicans. Plus, can the White House force a new congressional map on Texas Republicans? 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
How the funding battle is colliding with reconciliation
Anna and Jake take a look at how the reconciliation fight is impacting what’s already going to be a brutal partisan struggle over FY2026 government spending. Plus, how Senate Majority Leader John Thune is saving stablecoin reform. 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
How the Senate can make reconciliation deadline
Jake discusses how the Senate can meet its July 4 reconciliation deadline. Plus, President Donald Trump’s L.A. National Guard move is spurring a huge partisan brawl. 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
The Readback: Washington’s big break up
Congressional reporter Mica Soellner breaks down the falling out between Donald Trump and Elon Musk over the reconciliation bill earlier 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
Why Musk could be a big problem for Trump
Jake takes a look at how how Elon Musk could be dangerous to President Donald Trump and the GOP. Plus, the race for a top House post has put the Congressional Black Caucus in a very real bind, as seniority, generational change and identity politics all collide. 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
GOP tax rift grows as clock ticks
Senate Republicans and the White House are at odds over potential changes to tax-cut provisions in the House-passed reconciliation package. Plus, crypto's cash is flowing into the Michigan Senate race. And this time, it's backing Mike Rogers in a big way. 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
Why Thune is going to Trump early
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is already playing his biggest card — President Donald Trump — to help push the GOP reconciliation package through the Senate. Plus, Anna and Jake take a look at the special election for the late Rep. Gerry Connolly's seat. 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
The Future of Medicine: The Players
Punchbowl News Financial Services Reporter Brendan Pedersen joins Anna Palmer to discuss the complicated relationship among several entities working to influence the direction of health care policy. Plus, Incubate's founder and executive director, John Stanford, joins Anna to talk about what his company is doing and how venture capital plays a role in medicine. 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
Thune's rocky road to July 4
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is charting a four-week sprint to pass a reconciliation bill. Plus, Sen. John Cornyn is trailing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton by 22 points, according to a new poll. 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
What we learned at the Pentagon
This week, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George will appear before the House and Senate Armed Services Committees with a new mission — the Army Transformation Initiative. Anna and Jake preview what to expect. Plus, the Senate’s about to dive into a brutal reconciliation fight, with GOP factions pulling in opposite directions. 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
The Readback: 24 hours with senators in Canada
Senior congessional reporter Andrew Desiderio talks about his experience joining a bipartisan Senate delegation to Canada last week. The senators were aiming to cool tensions between the two longtime allies and encourage Canadian tourism to the U.S., which has plummeted. 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
One Big, Busy Summer
Anna and Jake take a look at how the House leadership is doing as part of our latest Leader Look. Plus, who's up and who's down in Washington and politics? We dissect this week's Punch Power Matrix rankings. 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
Leader Look: Thune's biggest test yet
Anna and Jake take a look at how Senate Majority Leader John Thune is doing as his chamber prepares to take up the GOP’s massive reconciliation bill. Plus, proposals in Congress to crack down on app stores are causing hard feelings between Apple and Meta. 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
The 2026 spending fight kicks off
Democrats say the White House won't share what it’s doing with hundreds of federal accounts and billions of dollars already approved by Congress. Plus, the battle to be the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee is underway. 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
The Future of Medicine: A Leading Voice
Punchbowl News Senior Congressional Reporter Andrew Desiderio joins Anna Palmer to talk about his interview with a leading voice in the future of medicine, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). The chair of the Senate Health Committee discussed Medicaid and drug pricing among other issues in health care. 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
Senators to Canada: Don’t give up on U.S.
A bipartisan delegation traveled to Canada Friday aiming to cool U.S.-Canada tensions amid unprecedented hostility from Washington. Plus, after nearly two decades of government control, could Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac finally be on the path to freedom? We're also excited to announce that your favorite podcast, The Daily Punch will be moving to video! More details to come so stay tuned. 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
Trump to the Senate: Change it up!
Jake discusses the dynamics between House and Senate Republicans as the House-passed reconciliation bill heads over to the Senate. Plus, How Dems plan to weaponize reconciliation votes. 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
The Readback: A huge week for the House
Vault co-author Laura Weiss breaks down what led to House Republicans successfully passing the reconciliation package 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
The Senate revs up
Jake reflects on the roles Speaker Mike Johnson, President Donald Trump, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and HFC members played in passing the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Act in the House. Plus, what to expect from the Senate as it takes on the reconciliation package. 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
Johnson on the brink of a big win
After the “One Big, Beautiful Bill" act cleared its key procedural hurdle early this morning, Jake takes a look at the latest developments in the House GOP's push to secure President Trump's legislative agenda. Plus, Senate Dems are mired in an ugly internal clash over crypto politics and campaign spending. 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
Will reconciliation hit the House floor today?
The House Rules Committee is in session, preparing the GOP’s reconciliation bill for floor consideration. Will Speaker Mike Johnson pull off a rule vote today? Plus, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is diving into one of the most controversial procedural fights in years. 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
The Future of Medicine: Legislative Landscape
Punchbowl News Congressional Reporter Max Cohen joins Anna Palmer to discuss how Congressional Republicans are working to roll back some Inflation Reduction Act provisions and undo some regulations that critics say will stifle new medical innovations. 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
Welcome to the game, Mr. President
President Donald Trump will be on Capitol Hill today in an attempt to get the House GOP Conference to coalesce around the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” Anna and Jake break down what to expect. Plus, Democrats are furious over Alina Habba's plans to charge Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting federal officers. 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
Budget clears reconciliation
The House Budget Committee approved the GOP’s reconciliation bill late Sunday night, but Speaker Mike Johnson still faces tough negotiations ahead. Plus, one move could completely reshape Illinois’ already-chaotic Senate primary…and it all hinges on one name: Rep. Lauren Underwood. 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
The Readback: The all-night markup survival guide
Vault co-author Laura Weiss takes you inside the room of the House Ways and Means Committee’s 17-and-a-half hour markup of the GOP tax bill on Tuesday. 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
The GOP's last-minute mess
Speaker Mike Johnson’s House Republican Conference is in the midst of a low-grade rebellion against the GOP’s reconciliation proposal. Plus, Anna and Jake discuss the latest in the Michigan Senate race. 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
The biggest reconciliation meeting yet
Today, Speaker Mike Johnson will bring together the warring factions inside the House GOP. Anna and Jake preview what to expect. Plus, inside President Donald Trump's unusually active role in the Senate's consideration of his diplomatic nominees. 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
Inside the marathon markups
While you were sleeping, key House committees were sparring over Republicans’ plans for taxes and Medicaid spending cuts in reconciliation. Plus, Rep. Bill Huizenga is staffing up ahead of a potential Senate bid. 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
The Future of Medicine: State of Play
Punchbowl News' Special Projects Editor Elvina Nawaguna joins Anna Palmer to discuss how four key factors — regulations, innovation, profit and technological advancements — are shaping the future of medicine. 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
It's markup day!
It's markup day! Anna and Jake break down what to expect from the three key House committees slated to mark up their reconciliation bills. Plus, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is placing holds on all DOJ political appointees in response to President Trump’s acceptance of a jet from Qatar’s royal family. 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
Why we're in for a wild reconciliation week
With just eight legislative days until the Memorial Day recess, this is another huge week for House Republicans and their quest to pass a reconciliation package. Plus, Sen. John Cornyn is trailing Ken Paxton by 16 points in a new poll. 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
The Readback: The rocky start to appropriations
Samantha Handler talks about FBI Director Kash Patel's hearing with House Appropriators this past week and his opposition to the White House’s recommendation of a $500 million cut to the FBI. 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
The reconciliation bill is not ready for prime time
So much about Republicans' reconciliation package is still undecided even though the GOP leadership says they’ve been working on it for more than six months. Plus, a bipartisan group of House members are eyeing a congressional stock-trading ban. 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
Why no deal helps SALT Republicans
Jake breaks down why SALT Republicans have more leverage than you think. Plus, House and Senate GOP leaders are divided over Medicaid cuts, going in opposite directions on the biggest obstacle to their reconciliation package. 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
House mods get a win, as conservatives seethe
Anna and Jake take a look at the massive pressure Speaker Mike Johnson is facing in navigating Medicaid cuts. Plus, the Senate is barreling towards a showdown over its own rules and procedures. 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
What you need to know about reconciliation
Anna and Jake preview what to expect in reconciliation today. Plus, they take a look at how Republicans are trying to push back on the Democratic attacks when it comes to Medicaid. 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
Will Republicans ever get a reconciliation deal?
Anna and Jake discuss the big question: Can House Republicans find a path forward on reconciliation? Plus, a look inside Sen. Brian Schatz's inner circle. 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