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The Daily Punch

ByPunchbowl News
1126 episodes

Podcast Summary

Weekday mornings, The Daily Punch brings you inside Capitol Hill, the White House and Washington for an unfiltered look at the key players and stakes of all major issues of the day. Power. People. Politics. Hosted by Punchbowl News founders, journalists and best-selling authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman.

#1

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

2025-06-04•13mins
#2

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

2025-06-03•26mins
#3

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

2025-06-03•12mins
#4

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

2025-06-02•10mins
#5

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

2025-05-31•17mins
#6

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

2025-05-30•13mins
#7

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

2025-05-29•14mins
#8

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

2025-05-28•13mins

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#9

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

2025-05-27•10mins
#10

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

2025-05-27•7mins
#11

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

2025-05-26•7mins
#12

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

2025-05-24•16mins
#13

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

2025-05-23•9mins
#14

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

2025-05-22•7mins
#15

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

2025-05-21•12mins
#16

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

2025-05-20•9mins
#17

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

2025-05-20•13mins
#18

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

2025-05-19•14mins
#19

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

2025-05-17•14mins
#20

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

2025-05-16•14mins
#21

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

2025-05-15•13mins
#22

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

2025-05-14•16mins
#23

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

2025-05-13•9mins

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#24

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

2025-05-13•13mins
#25

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

2025-05-12•14mins
#26

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

2025-05-10•15mins
#27

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

2025-05-09•9mins
#28

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

2025-05-08•10mins
#29

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

2025-05-07•14mins
#30

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

2025-05-06•13mins
#31

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

2025-05-05•15mins
#32

The Readback: Our Amazon scoop

Diego Areas Munhoz takes you behind the scenes of breaking the news that Amazon was planning to display tariff costs for consumers, which provoked a call between Trump and Bezos. 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

2025-05-03•17mins
#33

Reconciliation hits a rough patch

Anna and Jake discuss the delay of three critical markups on the reconciliation package as internal party squabbles have hobbled the GOP’s ability to move quickly. Plus, both Democrats and Republicans are working to persuade a number of current and former governors to run for Senate in competitive states this cycle. 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

2025-05-02•15mins
#34

The perils of punting

It's now May 1! Anna and Jake review some of the most serious conflicts that Republicans face over the massive reconciliation package. Plus, Democrats are hoping to flip four key Pennsylvania seats in their push for the majority. 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

2025-05-01•14mins
#35

Day 101: Big tests for Trump's economic agenda

Republicans are bracing for several flashpoints today that will tell us about the economic and political ramifications of President Donald Trump's tariffs. Plus, Democrats are sparring over their top slot on the House Oversight 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

2025-04-30•7mins
#36

Can Republicans meet the new July 4 deadline?

House Republicans have a new, patriotic deadline for their bill enacting President Donald Trump’s domestic legislative agenda: the Fourth of July. Can they make that happen? Plus, Sen. Brian Schatz’s strategy as he hopes to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin as Senate Democratic whip. 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

2025-04-29•12mins
#37

Trump, Congress and the next 100 days

Anna and Jake reflect on President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office and preview what's next. Plus, anti-abortion groups are urging lawmakers to expand benefits for families and new parents in reconciliation. 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

2025-04-28•11mins
#38

The Readback: The GOP’s Medicaid mess

Punchbowl News reporter Samantha Handler breaks down the Medicaid fight and how Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans need to find $880 billion in cuts. 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

2025-04-26•13mins
#39

Booker backs Schatz for No. 2 leadership slot

Jake discusses Sen. Cory Booker's endorsement of Sen. Brian Schatz in his yet-to-be-announced bid to become the next Senate Democratic whip. Plus, a look at the latest Punch Power Matrix. From the president to the mayor, who's up and who's down in Washington 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

2025-04-25•6mins
#40

What Durbin's retirement means for Democratic leadership

Anna and Jake discuss Sen. Dick Durbin's big announcement that he won't seek reelection, and they break down the chain reaction that follows. Plus, Democratic fundraising giant, ActBlue is warning that President Donald Trump is preparing to target the group via executive order. 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

2025-04-24•14mins
#41

What the House has on deck

Anna and Jake take a detailed look at the House Republican leadership’s schedule for May. Plus, Marco Rubio wants to overhaul the State Department — and while Republicans are mostly on board, it’s not going to be an easy sell. 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

2025-04-23•10mins
#42

Treasury eyes debt limit end date

Anna and Jake talk all things debt limit with the Treasury Department set to give Congress its estimate next week for a debt limit X date. Plus, can the U.S. survive Trump vs. Powell? 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

2025-04-22•12mins
#43

House GOP leaders eye early May rescissions vote

Anna and Jake discuss House GOP leaders' tentative plan to vote on President Trump’s rescissions package during the week of May 5. Plus, House Republican leadership has privately warned GOP members against publicly drawing red lines over Medicaid 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

2025-04-21•9mins
#44

The Readback: Vulnerable Republicans send a warning on Medicaid

Punchbowl News congressional reporter Mica Soellner goes behind the scenes of a big story we broke this week on the new flashing warning signs vulnerable House Republicans are sending to GOP leadership over the prospect of Medicaid cuts. 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

2025-04-19•10mins
#45

Leader Look: Johnson and Jeffries

Anna takes a look at how Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are doing. Plus: the Democratic primaries that will actually matter. 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

2025-04-18•10mins
#46

Leader Look: Thune and Schumer

Anna takes a look at how Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Majority Leader John Thune are doing. Plus: the House Energy and Commerce Committee's big reconciliation markup 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

2025-04-17•12mins
#47

Some Republicans set limits on Medicaid cuts

A dozen House Republicans are warning GOP leaders that they won't back a reconciliation package that includes massive cuts to Medicaid. Plus, Anna takes a look at how well Republicans have kicked off 2025 in fundraising. 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

2025-04-16•8mins
#48

Why Trump isn't signing many laws

Anna and Jake take a look at House Republican fundraising numbers, with the NRCC having raised over $21 million in March. Plus, why President Donald Trump isn't signing many laws since taking office. 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

2025-04-15•10mins
#49

Johnson's first quarter haul

Anna discusses Speaker Mike Johnson's big first quarter, having raised $32.2 million. Plus, what to watch this week on President Donald Trump and the world markets. 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

2025-04-14•10mins
#50

The Readback: Budget resolution drama

Punchbowl News Financial Services Reporter Laura Weiss goes over the drama-filled week on Capitol Hill that culminated with the House approving the compromise 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

2025-04-12•16mins

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