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CONTROL

CONTROL

By: Seven Letter
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About this listen

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.Copyright 2022 All rights reserved. Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Is a Shutdown Back on the Table? Feat. Katherine Tully-McManus
    Jul 15 2025

    With reconciliation in the rear-view mirror, the countdown is on to the next government funding deadline. But first Congress must deal with a rescissions package that is making the appropriations process even more contentious than usual. To break it all down, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by POLITICO’s Katherine Tully-McManus, a congressional reporter focused on budget and appropriations. Can the Freedom Caucus reassert themselves? What is Minority Leader Schumer’s plan? And how long can Congress continue passing CRs?

    Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller

    Guest: Katherine Tully-McManus, POLITICO

    Audio Producer: Benji Englander

    Video Producer: Regina Anderson

    Articles Discussed:

    NBC News: Trump's push to claw back funding ignites a fight that threatens a government shutdown

    Punchbowl: Senate Approps hits pause amid escalating drama

    Axios: Schumer draws line in government funding fight

    POLITICO: A tough week for Susan Collins

    POLITICO: Cole: Hill GOP likely to pursue funding topline above White House request

    Axios: House "crypto week" could change how Americans use, save money

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    53 mins
  • Where Does the Freedom Caucus Go from Here? Feat. Matt Fuller
    Jul 8 2025

    The One Big Beautiful Bill is now law, with the Freedom Caucus again at the center of the drama. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Matt Fuller, Congressional Bureau Chief at NOTUS and long-time chronicler of the Freedom Caucus, to discuss the group’s history, recent actions and future moves. Plus, reconciliation “Winners and Losers” and a look ahead to appropriations, rescissions, and a potential Reconciliation 2.0.

    Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller

    Guest: Matt Fuller, NOTUS

    Producer: Benji Englander

    Articles Discussed:

    Reuters: In July 4 ceremony, Trump signs tax and spending bill into law

    Politico: Inside the Freedom Caucus’ final surrender

    New York Times: Jeffries Breaks Record in Hourslong Speech Opposing Trump’s Policy Bill

    NOTUS: Celsius, All-Nighters and Stalling Votes: Mike Johnson’s Strategy to Get Members to ‘Yes’

    Punchbowl: With OBBB in the rearview, here’s what’s next

    NOTUS: Senate Turns Its Attention to DOGE Cuts — With the Clock Ticking

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • The Megabill’s Moment of Truth Feat. Eleanor Mueller
    Jul 1 2025

    As House and Senate leaders continue to move the One Big Beautiful Bill forward, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down the latest developments in Congress. They offer their reactions to Senator Tillis’ retirement announcement, forecast how both the Freedom Caucus and moderates may react to the changes put in the bill by the Senate, and wonder what the point of a vote-a-rama is. At the end, Semafor’s Eleanor Mueller shares what she’s hearing on Capitol Hill.

    Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller

    Guest: Eleanor Mueller, Semafor

    Producer: Benji Englander

    Articles Discussed:

    NBC News: GOP Sen. Thom Tillis won't seek re-election in North Carolina after drawing Trump's ire

    Politico: GOP fight over clean energy threatens to derail megabill

    Fox News: Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' hits another snag in House as conservative caucus raises red flag

    Politico: Anxious House Republicans scramble to forestall Senate’s Medicaid cuts

    ABC News: Polls show Americans largely oppose Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' but are more split on Medicaid, immigration specifics

    Semafor: The wild-card fiscal hawk who may turn from ‘no’ to ‘yes’ on Trump’s megabill

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins

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