The Daily Punch

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Inside the burst of secret super PACs May 26, 2026

Show notes

Something strange is unfolding in several crucial House Democratic primaries — mysterious super PACs are quietly emerging.

Deputy Congressional Editor Robert O’Shaughnessy discusses the latest developments. Plus: the Cornyn-Paxton brawl reaches the finish line.

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Thune’s next big headache May 25, 2026

Show notes

Getting the party-line ICE and CBP funding bill back on track is shaping up to be one of the steepest challenges Republican leaders have faced this Congress.

Deputy Congressional Editor Robert O’Shaughnessy is back to discuss the latest. Plus: how an ugly social media post shook Rep. Mike Collins’ Georgia gubernatorial campaign.

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Readback: The war powers vote that wasn't May 23, 2026

Show notes

Punchbowl News Defense Reporter Briana Reilly joins Max Cohen to talk about drama on the House floor as Republicans postponed consideration of Rep. Gregory Meeks' (D-N.Y.) war powers resolution.

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Senate Republicans hit their limit with Trump May 22, 2026

Show notes

With less than six months from Election Day, Senate Republicans are hitting their breaking point over President Donald Trump’s wants and needs. Anna and Jake discuss the latest.

Plus, the House GOP staves off defeat on Iran — for now. And a recap of what House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) told us on Fly Out Day this week about a third Republican reconciliation package.

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Budget Chair Jodey Arrington on reconciliation 3.0 and his political future May 21, 2026

Show notes

House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) stopped by the Punchbowl News Townhouse to talk reconciliation, Texas politics and his own political future after retirement.

Plus, CNN's Manu Raju and Semafor's Nicholas Wu joined our panel discussion, breaking down Arrington's interview.

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Inside the Senate GOP's Trump rebellion May 21, 2026

Show notes

Senate Republicans are preparing to buck President Donald Trump on two of his long-running obsessions: the White House ballroom project and the “weaponization” of federal agencies against his allies.

Anna and Jake discuss what comes next. Plus, the latest on the GOP’s highway bill and the looming defense spending train wreck.

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Does Trump care about the GOP majorities? May 20, 2026

Show notes

With less than 24 weeks until Election Day, President Donald Trump seems almost maniacally focused on doing and saying things that could harm the GOP’s chances of keeping their House and Senate majorities in November.

Anna and Jake discuss the three most recent examples of Trump’s indifference. Plus, key takeaways from an eventful primary day.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

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Committee term limits? Not for House Dems May 19, 2026

Show notes

House GOP leaders have pulled the SCORE Act from this week’s floor schedule, according to multiple sources. Anna and Jake discuss what’s next for the proposed legislation that would regulate how college athletes can earn money.

Plus, Democratic voters nationwide are demanding new party leadership, but it’s unlikely the House Democratic Caucus will establish term limits for its committee leaders in the next Congress.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

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What Collins and Platner told us in Maine May 18, 2026

Show notes

In Maine, a state that could decide the Senate majority, GOP Sen. Susan Collins is touting her mastery of Washington’s power and influence system, while Democrat Graham Platner wants to burn that system to the ground.

Anna and Jake discuss Andrew Desiderio’s on-the-ground reporting, breaking down the key dynamics to watch in the high-stakes race. Plus, it’s crunch time for the GOP’s reconciliation bill.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

Punchbowl News is on YouTube⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our channel today to see all the new ways⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠we’re investing in video.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Readback: The GOP’s ballroom security fight May 16, 2026

Show notes

Laura Weiss breaks down how Trump's ballroom plan complicated Republicans’ reconciliation bill that includes money for ICE and Border Patrol. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week.

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