CONTROL Podcast

CONTROL

Seven Letter
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. The podcast series talks to experts who know the institution and helps explain the challenges and opportunities facing a divided Congress. Guests include subject-matter experts, journalists, former lawmakers, and political operatives, all with a keen insight into what is next for Washington. With Season 2 of CONTROL, you can expect a new episode every Tuesday when Congress is in session.
Prongs, Primaries and ‘Propriations
The House is back from recess and so are hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci. Appropriations bills are front and center this week, but the duo is also keeping their eyes on some other long-running topics, including Speaker Johnson’s oversight prongs, House primaries and the Senate leadership race – not to mention the Presidential debate and the British general election. With little time before the next recess, Congress has a lot to cover.   Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: The Hill: House set to dive into spending bills Punchbowl: House GOP Oversight misses Biden, but his allies pay the price WaPo: The establishment wins: Primary voters keep backing incumbents CNN: The ‘MAGA civil war’ that threatens to claim another conservative Republican NYT: What to Know About Jamaal Bowman’s Bitter Democratic Primary Race Politico: Conservatives rock race to replace McConnell with hardline push Axios: McConnell eyes his next move Reuters: UK PM Sunak's Conservatives set for heavy election defeat, polls forecast The Telegraph: Welcome to the most unpopular G7 summit ever Politico: Scorched-earth summer: Biden, Sunak and Macron go negative
Jun 25, 2024
40 min
Oversight Kicks Into Overdrive
As the fallout from the Trump verdict continues to shape Congress, hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci debate the latest moves from Republicans in the House and Senate targeting the Biden admin: will the vote to hold Merrick Garland in contempt succeed? What other actions can the House take? And can Mike Lee and other GOP senators hold up the Senate? Later, more Primary Watch and a lesson in optics management from British PM Rishi Sunak.   Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Washington Examiner: House GOP jump-starts push to hold Garland in contempt of Congress New York Times: After Trump’s Conviction, House Republicans Vow Again to Target His Foes New York Times: Far-Right Vows to Tie Up the Senate to Avenge Trump Are So Far Mostly Empty AP: Speaker Johnson appoints two Trump allies to a committee that handles classified intelligence BBC: Sunak's D-Day absence: How the PM walked into an election blunder
Jun 11, 2024
32 min
The Spending Wars Have Begun
With the House set to debate its first appropriations bill, hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci analyze the outlook for appropriations season and some other happenings around Capitol Hill. They discuss the Fauci hearing, ICC sanctions, the border, and reproductive rights. Plus, some musings on elections taking place on both sides of the pond: House primaries and the UK general election.   Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Roll Call: Scalise lays out ambitious summer appropriations timetable NBC News: Fauci parries with Republicans in combative hearing about Covid's origins and possibility of a lab leak Semafor: Speaker Mike Johnson promises a Republican mega-bill that would define Donald Trump’s second term Axios: Behind the Curtain: Speaker Johnson's secret muse Politico: Senate border vote fails again, losing support from both sides CBS News: Senate Democrats to unveil package to protect IVF as party makes reproductive rights push this month New York Times: U.K. 2024 General Election: What to Know
Jun 4, 2024
40 min
The Immigration Bill is Back – But Why?
After falling short months ago, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is bringing up the bipartisan immigration bill for another vote – what’s the play? Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by new co-host Mike Ricci, a partner at Seven Letter and former top advisor to Speakers Ryan and Boehner, to try to make sense of Schumer’s actions and a few other topics bedeviling Capitol Hill. The trio discuss upcoming votes related to Israel, President Biden’s battle with the House Oversight Committee over executive privilege, and the outlook for the appropriations process. Plus, a check-in on Rep. Tom Cole’s primary.   Hosts: Brendan Buck, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Reuters: Schumer says US Senate will try again to pass border bill ABC News: Biden asserts executive privilege over audio of interview with special counsel Hur CNN: House committee meeting devolves into chaos as Greene and Ocasio-Cortez trade barbs Axios: House Republicans "curry favor" with Trump trial visits Politico: Greg Steube has achieved a rare feat: Successfully forcing a bill to the House floor Punchbowl: Spending wars are back as House GOP seeks big cuts
May 21, 2024
34 min
Johnson Survives the MTV – What’s MTG’s Next Move?
The chips fell with the House resoundingly voting to table a motion to oust Speaker Johnson. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller dive into the next moves for the key players: Will Marjorie Taylor Greene trigger another vote? How will Speaker Johnson maintain party unity? And will anyone face consequences for their vote? Plus, a discussion of the FAA reauthorization and some drama in primary races.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Brendan’s Politico OpEd Politico: Greene's rebellion sparks new talk of consequences for House GOP rebels Axios: Congress plans all-out brawl with Biden over pausing Israel arms transfers Atlanta Journal Constitution: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s constituents mixed over effort to oust House speaker KFOR: Who is Paul Bondar, running to unseat Tom Cole? We found him.
May 14, 2024
38 min
Let the Chips Fall Where They May Feat. Andrew Solender of Axios
Is this the week that Marjorie Taylor Greene finally forces a vote to remove Speaker Johnson? Following a marathon meeting in the Speaker’s Office Monday afternoon, Greene and her allies leave us waiting on what’s next. In the meantime, hosts Annalyse Keller and Brendan Buck break down what to watch if a vote moves forward. They also discuss Johnson’s reported comments about punishing troublemaker members and changing the rules for the Motion to Vacate. And they get into the drama last week with a handful of Republicans joining Democrats to pass a rare motion to recommit. All that before being joined by Andrew Solender, congressional reporter for Axios, to talk about how Democrats are viewing all this chaos and how long Johnson can count on them to keep his job.    Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Brendan Buck Guest: Andrew Solendar Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: CNN: Speaker Johnson faces threat of ouster vote in pivotal week as he meets with Marjorie Taylor Greene Punchbowl: What Johnson told big donors behind closed doors The Hill: GOP hard-liners use rare procedural move to block leadership-backed bill Axios: Democrats warn Mike Johnson: Don't get used to us saving you
May 7, 2024
56 min
What Is Left For Congress The Rest Of The Year?
More like Motion to Vacation… With foreign aid passed and a light floor schedule this week, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller take a look down the road at what Congress needs to accomplish between now and the election, starting with FAA reauthorization. Then they discuss the latest developments with Speaker Johnson and the Motion to Vacate before offering an update on impeachment.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: The Hill: FAA bill adds 5 long-distance flights to Reagan National airport CNN: Johnson calls on Columbia University president to resign during tense news conference Punchbowl: Jim Jordan ramps up his inside game CNN: How the House GOP’s Biden impeachment effort fell apart
Apr 30, 2024
35 min
Bonus Episode: Johnson Gets Foreign Aid Done
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   Articles Discussed: Brendan’s NYT oped AP: The House passes billions in aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle. Next is the Senate Politico: Bipartisan outrage boils over at threat to Johnson’s speakership WaPo: Senate votes to dismiss impeachment charges against Mayorkas
Apr 22, 2024
36 min
Is Now, Finally, the Moment for Foreign Aid?
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 rule votes trip him up?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed NYT: Johnson Says the House Will Vote on an Israel Bill in the Coming Days WSJ: Mike Johnson Nears Big Decision: Help Israel, Ukraine or Both? NYT: Trump to Meet an Embattled Johnson, Putting Their Tortured Ties on Display USA Today: 'I stand with the speaker.' Trump backs Speaker Mike Johnson amid rebellion from right CNN: House passes modified surveillance bill after it failed earlier this week
Apr 16, 2024
38 min
Total Eclipse of the Chair
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 Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: ABC News: DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas impeachment proceedings: What to expect WaPo: Speaker Johnson’s job is on the line as the House returns WSJ: Mike Johnson Prepares to Unwrap Mystery Ukraine Aid Package WaPo: ‘Increasingly chaotic’: Why House Republicans are heading for the exits
Apr 9, 2024
44 min
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