The Daily Punch
1,445 episodes — Page 9 of 29
Four days until the deadline: Will Congress avoid a shutdown?
It's deadline week! Anna and Jake take a look at where government funding stands. Plus, introducing the Punchbowl News Power List. 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: What Trump asked Congress to do during his speech
Jake Sherman dives deep into what President Donald Trump called on Congress to pass during his speech on Tuesday, including passing "tax cuts for everybody," the death penalty for anyone who kills a police officer and banning sex changes for children. 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
Schumer, Jeffries and the perils of the minority
Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman takes a look at how Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are performing. Plus, how a DOGE vote could help skittish Republicans — and Elon Musk. 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 Trump broke House Democrats
Jake Sherman discusses how President Donald Trump unites and divides Democrats all at once. Plus, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s reelection decision expected soon. 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 Golden Age of Pettiness
It’s the Era of Pettiness and trolling has become the focal point. Jake Sherman breaks down the biggest moments from President Trump's address to Congress. Plus, Senate Dems are feeling the pressure over a government funding fight. 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 Washington could stumble into a shutdown
Punchbowl News' Max Cohen discusses the latest in the looming government shutdown. Plus, Republican Rep. Maria Salazar challenges President Donald Trump's deportation plan. 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
Three crises facing Trump and Republicans
President Donald Trump and GOP leaders are confronting a trio of self-made crises as we enter a very big week for Republicans. Plus, Sen. Todd Young, a one-time skeptic, wants to be a ‘team player’ for Trump. More on what Young told us about his 'new' relationship with the president. 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: House Republicans’ big reconciliation moment
Vault co-author Laura Weiss takes you behind the scenes of House Republicans' victory this past week when they pulled off a successful floor vote on their budget resolution to kick off reconciliation. 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
Judging Johnson and Thune
It’s the last day of February. So it’s time to take a spin around Capitol Hill for a Leader Look. Anna and Jake reflect on how House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have been doing. Plus, the latest in a series of town halls where concerns over DOGE are taking center stage. 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 Ones to Watch: Advancing with AI - Energy Innovation
Punchbowl News technology reporter Ben Brody joins Anna Palmer to discuss the relationship between AI and energy policy. AI policy is quickly spreading into the critical domain of energy. Although AI technology uses a lot of energy, it also has the potential to increase efficiency and conserve energy. One key player to watch here is Virginia GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who Brody interviewed. 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
Is the government going to shut down?
Anna and Jake discuss the politics of a potential government shutdown and what’s happening in the negotiations to avert one with the March 14 funding deadline looming. Plus, a bipartisan effort to ban DeepSeek on government devices. 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 huge win for Johnson. Now comes the hard part.
Anna and Jake discuss Speaker Mike Johnson's major win after the House’s dramatic passage of Republicans’ multi-trillion dollar budget resolution Tuesday evening. Plus, Sen. John Cornyn kicked off his reelection bid Tuesday night with a campaign reception. 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 is getting squeezed
Speaker Mike Johnson is under withering pressure from all directions over the GOP’s multi-trillion dollar budget resolution. Plus: Democrats are focusing on DOGE layoffs. 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
With a budget vote expected tomorrow, it's a big week for Congress
Speaker Mike Johnson has a lot on his plate: A tricky budget resolution vote followed by a shutdown fight. Can he get them done? Plus: DOGE's recent activities are making some Republicans wary. 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 head-spinning week for GOP hawks
Congressional reporters Andrew Desiderio and Max Cohen discuss Senate Republicans' response to President Donald Trump's latest controversial comments on the Russia-Ukraine war. 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 passed its budget resolution. What does that mean for the House?
After a nearly 10-hour vote-a-rama, the Senate passed its “skinny” budget resolution early Friday morning. We break down what that means for the House. Plus, as the IRS takes on its busy tax-filing season, former Rep. Billy Long’s nomination to take over the agency has stalled in Committee. 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 Johnson views where the House is on reconciliation
After President Donald Trump’s decision to back the House’s budget resolution, Speaker Mike Johnson weighs in. Plus, can Senate Republicans pull off permanent tax cuts? 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 GOP's big gamble with their ‘skinny’ budget plan
Senate Republicans kicked off their biggest gamble so far of the 119th Congress — beginning debate on a $300 billion-plus “skinny” budget resolution. Plus, Democrats' demands stall the FY2025 spending agreement talks. 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 new fight for Republicans' foreign policy future
President Trump’s nomination for the Pentagon’s policy chief is emerging as the next big fight in the GOP’s internal clash over U.S. foreign policy. Plus, will Trump cure cancer? 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 will happen to the Senate GOP’s budget resolution?
The Senate is the only show in town as the House is in recess. Punchbowl News introduces The Conference, a daylong event focused on power, people and politics inside and outside D.C. Plus, DOGE is on a rampage. 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: MTG's path to the DOGE subcommittee chair
Punchbowl News congressional reporter Mica Soellner discusses Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's path to being chair of the House DOGE subcommittee. It was a windy road for the Georgia Republican, who may be eyeing a Senate run. 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 GOP gets a win on budget plan, but what’s next?
Republicans on the House Budget Committee approved a GOP budget resolution late Thursday night that’s designed to unlock President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. Now what? Plus: New Dems raise concerns about too many progressives joining. 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 easy part on Trump's agenda is about to end
After lots of fits and starts, the House Budget Committee is going to begin marking up its spending blueprint today. Plus: Tensions persist after Rep. Jerry Nadler’s House Judiciary Committee ouster. 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 dueling budget chairs: How Arrington and Graham are playing their hands
The House Budget Committee is expected to release its budget resolution today. We've heard this one before. Plus: How Trump's controversial nominees are getting confirmed relatively easily. 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
Rough days for Democrats in GOP-run Washington
As Trump's second term kicks off, the heat is on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who are bearing the brunt of intra-party criticism. Plus: Fed Chair Jay Powell is set to testify on Capitol Hill today. 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 race for reconciliation
House Republican leaders are looking to cut federal spending by $2 trillion to $2.5 trillion as part of their reconciliation push. Plus: The latest on Trump's Cabinet 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
The Readback: The reconciliation rollercoaster
Vault co-author Laura Weiss discusses House Republicans' struggle to get on the same page about reconciliation this past week. Laura, a Philly native, also shares her hopes for the Eagles in the upcoming Super Bowl game against the Kansas City Chiefs. 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
Vance is now in charge of TikTok deal
Vice President JD Vance finds himself alongside National Security Adviser Michael Waltz tasked with overseeing a potential sale of TikTok. Plus: House Republicans race to show budget progress amid Senate pressure. 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, House GOP to meet with Trump as frustration builds
Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans head to the White House today to meet with President Donald Trump. Plus: The 2026 Georgia Senate race is already heating up. 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 options to jumpstart the Trump agenda
We’re still in the early phase of Hill Republicans’ attempt to pass President Donald Trump’s agenda. Yet it’s fair to say, at this moment, things aren’t going well. Plus: DOGE-curious Democrats fall off after Elon Musk's recent moves. 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 USAID fight both sides want
Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for a fight over the United States Agency for International Development. Why do both sides want to have this battle? Plus: Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr. may defy political gravity today with their committee 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
After this weekend, can Democrats help Trump?
Hill Democrats ask themselves whether it’s still politically feasible to help Republicans conduct any normal business on Capitol Hill. Plus: The latest on Trump's 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
The Readback: Dispatch from the House GOP retreat in sunny Miami
Get an inside look at what it was like at the House GOP retreat at the Trump National Doral resort in Miami. Congressional reporter Mica Soellner shares her experience talking to lawmakers outside Capitol Hill and where House Republicans are at with the budget resolution. 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 January leader look
A look at where congressional leadership stands as January comes to a close. Plus: The latest on President Donald Trump's nominees; Tulsi Gabbard had a rough day. 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
Tulsi Gabbard's consequential hearing
Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will sit before the Senate Intelligence Committee this morning for the most consequential confirmation hearing to date. Plus: Hundreds of rescue and emergency personnel responded to the collision between a regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport. 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
Democrats were in the dumps — until Trump helped them out
Democrats get some of their groove back thanks to President Donald Trump. Plus: Sen. Jim Justice's swanky commute. 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 Republicans' pitfalls in executing Trump’s agenda
House Republicans' Doral, Fla., retreat continues, and Jake is on the ground covering what's going down. Plus: Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso's style with a GOP trifecta. 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 headlines GOP retreat as budget battle heats up
House Republicans descend on Trump National Doral Miami for their annual retreat and Jake is in Florida covering it. Plus: What's happening with Trump's nominations? 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: Behind the scenes of Trump's second inauguration
Senior Congressional Reporter Andrew Desiderio takes you into the Capitol Rotunda for President Donald Trump's second inauguration. Access was very limited, and he caught what the TV cameras missed. 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
Inside the room: Where House Republicans are looking to slash
House Republican committee chairs pitched in a private meeting what could add up to between $2.5 trillion and $3 trillion of spending cuts and budget savings to fund Republicans’ reconciliation package. Plus: House Judiciary Democrats bring in psychologists to help them prep for Trump era. 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
Who runs the House? Trump
Donald Trump has been president for just three days. And in that time, he’s only tightened his grip on House Republicans. Plus: Lawmakers have their eyes on governors’ mansions. 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 Democrats squirm as Trump era begins
Democrats are in desperate search for a winning message as Trump's second term kicks off. Plus: The latest on the debt limit. 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 Johnson and Thune can use today’s meeting with Trump
Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune will meet with President Donald Trump today with 52 days until the federal government runs out of money. Plus: The latest on Trump's nominations. 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’s different about Trump’s 2025 return
Inside Inauguration Day and a glimpse of what the new Trump administration may look like. Plus, the latest on Trump's 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
Main Street Republicans fight to be Trump’s new confidantes
Congressional reporters Mica Soellner and Max Cohen discuss the dynamic between the Main Street Republican Caucus and the Trump world in comparison to the House Freedom Caucus. 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
Democrats’ TikTok dilemma
Congressional Democrats find themselves in an awkward position with the shutdown of TikTok looming in a couple of days. Plus: Newly-elected House Republicans are non-committal about joining the HFC after accepting the caucus' help in the election. 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 House GOP hunt for budget savings
House Republicans are looking for budget savings any way they can get them, including asking President-elect Donald Trump to hold off on rolling back several Biden-era policies by executive order. Plus: The latest on Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation process. 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 5 things you need to know about the future of Trump's agenda
With Trump's inauguration coming up in a few days, what is on his policy agenda? Plus: The Main Street Republicans cozy up to the president-elect. 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 Democrats plan to battle Hegseth
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to run the Pentagon, has a confirmation hearing this morning. What are Democrats planning on doing? Plus: Some Democrats on the Jan. 6 committee are talking about pardons. 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 Trump's big nom week
President-elect Donald Trump's nominees have a busy week ahead. Plus: What are Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune focusing 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