In the wake of this weekend’s strikes against Iran and with the conflict continuing to spread, hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by Seven Letter colleague Sabrina Singh, who served as Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary during the Biden administration. They discuss how the Trump administration has communicated about the war, the reaction from Capitol Hill, and what to watch for in the days ahead. Plus, will the conflict raise the pressure to pass DHS funding? And who has the edge in today’s Texas primary?

Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

Guest: Sabrina Singh

Audio Producer: Benji Englander

Video Producer: Regina Anderson

Articles Discussed:

New York Times: How Trump Decided to Go to War

AP: Congress will debate an Iran conflict that is well underway

Punchbowl: Congress’ war over the war

CBS News: Iran strikes highlight fractures in GOP ahead of war powers votes in Congress

New York Times: Democrats Denounce Trump’s Iran Attack, but Subtle Divisions Emerge

Politico: Republicans use Iran strikes to pressure Dems in DHS funding fight

CNN: Despite Trump push for voter ID law, Senate Republicans say votes aren’t there to change filibuster rules

Semafor: Some Republicans back Trump on nationalization of voting

Axios: GOP insiders fretting over Texas Senate primary

It’s State of the Union day! Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci share what they’ll be looking for during tonight’s speech and how lawmakers from both parties are likely to react. Then, they discuss the latest maneuvering around DHS funding, tariffs, and the SAVE America Act before being joined by Sahil Kapur, Senior National Political Reporter for NBC News, to learn the latest from Capitol Hill and the White House. When will the government shutdown end? Is the talking filibuster a realistic possibility? Is President Trump losing his grip on the GOP? All that and more only on CONTROL.

Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

Guest: Sahil Kapur, NBC News

Audio Producer: Benji Englander

Video Producer: Regina Anderson

Articles Discussed:

NYT: ‘It’s Going to Be a Long Speech’: Trump Prepares for State of the Union

POLITICO: A high-stakes State of the Union just got harder for Trump

Axios: Democratic response to Trump's SOTU becomes a crowded affair

NBC News: 'Everyone here is irate': White House scrambles after tariff loss as Trump unloads on Supreme Court

CNBC: Congress contemplates its role on tariffs after Supreme Court decision

The Hill: Republicans eye opening for DHS deal this week as Democrats double down

NBC News: Trump's election bill tops 50 Senate votes, but Democrats could still block it

All signs point to a stalemate on Homeland Security funding – where does Congress go from here? Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss if a deal can be reached or if another shutdown is ahead. Then, Andrew Desiderio, senior congressional reporter for Punchbowl News, joins the show to share what he is hearing from the halls of the Senate. Plus, revelations in the Epstein files continue to roil Capitol Hill, pressure is rising to pass the SAVE America Act, and more Members head for the exits.

Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

Guest: Andrew Desiderio, Punchbowl News

Audio Producer: Benji Englander

Video Producer: Regina Anderson

Articles Discussed:

Punchbowl News: The Big Four, Trump and DHS

Punchbowl News: WH responds to Democrats’ DHS overhaul

Punchbowl News: Clintons continue sparring with Comer

CNN: GOP lawmaker behind Congress’ Epstein push says Commerce Secretary Lutnick should resign over links

The Hill: House GOP digs in on push for voting bill in hopes of pressuring Senate

Matt’s Five Points: Talking Filibuster Explainer

The Hill: Rep. Mark Amodei is 30th House Republican to not seek reelection

NYT: The Troubled State of the Senate Has Members Eyeing Governorships