Capitol Conversations

Update on DHS funding and war in Iran comes to Congress

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:39:13 +0000

Last week was heavily centered in the Senate, with funding for Homeland Security stalled as Democrats and Republicans dug their heels in. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is asking for a $200 billion supplemental package for the war in Iran - how is that going to go down in the House? We have the latest.
Read more here: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4495646/trump-will-not-submit-budget-request-without-iran-dhs-stability/

#washingtonexaminer #dhs #dhsfunding #iranwar Check out our website: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/

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Inside the GOP retreat: Messaging, midterms, and Trump’s ggenda

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:21:32 +0000

Rachel and Lauren recap their week in Miami, covering the Republican retreat at Trump National Doral, where lawmakers gathered to map out strategy for the 2026 midterms. While Republicans still hold the trifecta, the mood was more cautious than last year as members wrestled with how to craft a winning message.

The hosts break down the party’s growing focus on affordability and the economy, the challenge of communicating the impact of the “big beautiful bill,” and why Republicans believe tax cuts and no-tax-on-tips could help their case with voters. They also discuss the tension between House messaging and President Trump’s priorities, including the SAVE Act and foreign policy developments involving Iran.

With narrow margins in Congress, a possible second reconciliation bill, and historical trends working against the party in midterms, Republicans face a tough path to keeping the House. Rachel and Lauren explain what lawmakers are saying behind the scenes—and what it all could mean for the fight for control of Congress in 2026.

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Texas Primaries Shake Up 2026: Talarico’s Surprise Win and What Comes Next

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The Texas primaries delivered major surprises — and could reshape the political landscape heading into the 2026 elections.

In this episode of Capitol Conversations, Rachel and Lauren break down the biggest takeaways from a chaotic primary week across Texas. From James Talarico’s unexpected win over social-media powerhouse Jasmine Crockett to the high-stakes Republican runoffs involving Ken Paxton, John Cornyn allies, Tony Gonzalez, and Brandon Herrera, the political battle lines are shifting fast.

Lauren reports from the ground after traveling across Texas and speaking directly with voters, revealing what Beltway insiders often miss: the real issues driving voters in the state.

They discuss:

Why Talarico’s “Texas-first” campaign strategy worked
The limits of social media influence in real elections
What Christian messaging and kitchen-table issues mean for Democrats
The explosive Tony Gonzalez vs. Brandon Herrera runoff
How the Allred vs. Julie Johnson Democratic fight could shape the party
Whether the 2026 midterms are turning into a battle for the political center

With multiple races heading to May runoffs, the fight for Texas — and potentially control of the Senate — is far from over.

Subscribe to Capitol Conversations for weekly insights into the biggest political battles shaping Washington and the country.

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2026 Senate primaries kick into gear plus what to expect at State of the Union

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:45:01 +0000

It's midterm season! Many Senate races have competitive Democratic primaries....and some are definitely more exciting than others. Texas's Senate primaries are in early March, with our own Lauren Green heading out on the campaign trail! But before she does, we get to cover President Trump's State of the Union. What can you expect from this speech? We break it down.

#washingtonexaminer #sotu #stateoftheunion

Read more here:
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4461584/everything-to-know-2026-state-of-the-union/

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House tariff vote and Democrats’ plans for Pam Bondi + interview with Jeff Hurd

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 01:35:38 +0000

Six Republicans issued a rare rebuke of President Trump last week by voting with Democrats to repeal his Canada tariffs. We chat with Jeff Hurd, one of the seven Repbulicans to do so. And Democrats are not at all pleased with Attorney General Pam Bondi, who they say is spying on their search histories.

#washingtonexaminer #canadatariffs #trump #surveillance #doj

DHS funding and Clintons' Epstein testimony hangs over Congress

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:49:10 +0000

With five days until Homeland Security funding runs out, we dig into the issues Democrats and Republicans are having with finding a compromise. Plus, the Clintons' testimony on Capitol Hill opens the door for Democrats to take the fight, once again, to President Trump.

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Talks of impeachment, immigration reform dominate Capitol and interview with Rep. Ryan Mackenzie

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:50:01 +0000

Impeachment, a power of the legislative branch used rarely, is creeping into our vocabulary again as Democrats look to remove Kristi Noem from her position as Homeland Security secretary. We break down the likelihood of Democrats successfully doing this (it'll take a bipartisan village). And don't forget about healthcare — it hasn't gone away just because immigration is dominating the news! Rachel chats with Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie for an update on Obamacare subsidies negotiations.

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House is out on recess and 2026 preview with Cook Political Report's Erin Covey

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:33:24 +0000

The House is on recess, and we're all breathing a sigh of relief. More legislation is on the horizon, and the 2026 elections are going to be heating up in a couple of months. Cook Political Report's Erin Covey, House analyst and elections expert, walks us through what to expect for this year's competitive election season.

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Appropriators carry Congress and interview with Rep. Suhas Subramanyam

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:53:11 +0000

House Republicans' majority is growing smaller every day, and not even messaging bills are easy to pass anymore. The only thing saving Congress right now is appropriations, as lawmakers get closer to fully funding the government for the first time in years.We speak to Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), a freshman who details what its like to stand with fellow Democrats but also work across the aisle, as well as the party's stance on healthcare and ICE.

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House passes ACA extension, what its fate in the Senate?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:50:05 +0000

After months of inaction, the House finally voted to extend Obamacare subsidies for 3 years. But what happens now? Is it dead on arrival in the Senate? And how will recent events impact the looming funding deadline on Jan. 30? We break it down for you in this episode.

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Is Congress headed for another shutdown? What to know heading into 2026

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:59:19 +0000

It's a new year and we can not wait for a year full of Capitol Conversations! Thanks once again to everyone who has listened, viewed, and shared our videos and podcast episodes. In the first episode of 2026, we discuss what's to come in January and beyond, as the midterm year is now in full swing.

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Closing out 2025 on Capitol Hill and setting stage for 2026

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:14:29 +0000

It's the end of the year and nearly four months of Capitol Conversations! Thanks to everyone who has listened, viewed, and shared our videos and podcast episodes. In this final 2025 chat, we discuss our favorite and worst memories from the year and preview what we're excited for in 2026.

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Beverly Hart on her experience across different facets of governmental jobs

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:45:00 +0000

In this special bonus episode of Capitol Conversations, we sit down with Beverly Hart, a lobbyist and political influencer. Hart worked on Capitol Hill before moving into lobbying, allowing her to talk about her experience across the political sphere, all while making fun videos that reach everyday voters.

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Rep. Stephen Lynch on the many House Oversight investigations this Congress

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:54:50 +0000

In this special episode of Capitol Conversations, Lauren talks to Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), the former interim Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, to talk about investigations the committee has taken on this Congress, what the public can expect to come from the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and what the investigation into the Venezuelan boat strikes looks like. #washingtonexaminer

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House Healthcare policy fights boil over and interview with Rep. Marlin Stutzman

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:38:21 +0000

This is the last week of Congress's legislative session for 2025, and Republican lawmakers are in a battle over how to address healthcare. Last week, the party was split over defense. It's clearly time for the holidays, but a return to Washington in 2026 from vacation will be a rude awakening as Congress has much left on its plate before the midterms.

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House moves toward funding deadline and interviews from Reps Moore and McCormick

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:34:08 +0000

We've got the latest on our favorite discussion topic: House drama! It was a rough week for Speaker Johnson last week, and it will only get more contentious as December plods along. Healthcare and funding deadlines are putting pressure on leadership to have a plan, and GOP members are becoming more outspoken on Johnson's ability to lead the conference.

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Greene’s congressional exit, GOP dynamics and interview with Rep. Adam Smith

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:24:21 +0000

Many in leadership will likely be breathing a sigh of relief when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a House of Representatives rabble-rouser and thorn in Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) side, departs Capitol Hill.

However, the speaker’s problems are far from over, as her resignation has exposed deeper problems with the House’s “top-down” approach, which has turned off lawmakers who can no longer legislate without the White House’s say-so.

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Rep. Scott Peters on returning to DC now that the government is reopened

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:47:22 +0000

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What big Democratic wins mean for 2026 elections and interview with Jon Reinish

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:52:02 +0000

A blue wave struck in last week's off-year elections. Democrats? Vindicated and ecstatic. Republicans? Dismissive and unbothered. Which party has the right messaging strategy? And what does this mean for 2026?Lauren speaks to Democratic strategist Jon Reinish on what the 2025 elections taught us and what we can expect heading into next year's midterms?

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Shutdown effects reach beyond DC and interview with Rep. Johnny Olszewski

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:22:57 +0000

Capitol Hill staffers, already frustrated by the prospect of a first missed paycheck on Friday due to the government shutdown, have begun highlighting how seemingly everyday, small tasks are becoming increasingly difficult.

“There have been so many small inconveniences where we don’t realize are essential to having an open and effective government — the doors being closed because [U.S. Capitol Police] are understaffed and not getting paid,” one senior House aide told the Washington Examiner.

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Shutdown shenanigans hit new milestones and interview with Rep. Ashley Hinson

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:01:15 +0000

The government shutdown is everlasting as we enter week 5 and day 27. Time is running out on the Nov. 21 spending deal, so lawmakers are already admitting they'll need a new one. Plus, the House got sued by Adelita Grijalva and Arizona.

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Rep. Tom Cole shares about chairing appropriations and his optimism post-shutdown

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:34:58 +0000

In this special bonus episode of Capitol Conversations, we sit down with Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, to talk about his shutdown frustrations, his optimism for the funding bills after the government re-opens, and the unique (and rare) moments of bipartisanship on the committee he shares with his Democratic counterparts.

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Groundhog day fatigue sets in at Capitol and interview with Rep. Mike Levin

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:06:51 +0000

Lawmakers are exhausted, staffers are exhausted, we’re exhausted. It’s day 20 of the shutdown and there’s no end in sight. How long will it end? Your guess is as good as ours.

Democratic Rep. Mike Levin of California breaks down the shutdown fatigue, plus the state’s redistricting effort.

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Capitol Conversations: The Life of a Shutdown featuring Rep. Tom Emmer

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:51:42 +0000

It's been nearly a fortnight since the government shutdown began, and everyone in Washington is down bad as they hope for a way into delicate negotiations. The life of a shutdown has been full of drama — and honey, we're here to break it all down for you. Rachel also steps into House GOP Majority Whip Tom Emmer's office for a sit-down interview.

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Unpacking the government shutdown, 2025 elections, and interview with Rep. Maxwell Frost

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:37:30 +0000

We’re in day 6 of a government shutdown, America’s first since 2018. How long will this last? Who’s to say. What are the parties saying? Who is winning the messaging battle? How will it impact 2025 races?

We interview Rep. Maxwell Frost on how to campaign year-round and engage young voters, as well as the intersection between Charlie Kirk assassination and Frost’s experience with gun violence.

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Who's to blame for a government shutdown, and interview with Rep. Chip Roy

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:59:12 +0000

Capitol Conversations, Episode 6: Is the federal government going to shutdown? What happens in a shutdown? What is the state of play as negotiations between Democratic and Republican lawmakers remain at a standstill?

We also have an interview with Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) on his Texas attorney general race, his thoughts on the shutdown, and his proposal for a select committee in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination.

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Congress reacts to Kirk and Kimmel with First Amendment defenses, more security

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:59:23 +0000

Welcome back to Capitol Conversations: Episode 5. In this episode, we are bringing you an open and honest discussion on the rise of social media and political violence in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination. We also touch on mental health, challenges to the First Amendment, and how we unplug from the news while covering the news!

Don’t forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram: @capitolconvos and as always, send us those questions!

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Epstein birthday book, House GOP's tiny majority and Rep. Yassamin Ansari responds to Kirk killing

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:48:11 +0000

Welcome back, glad you're here! This episode, we talk about the recently unveiled Epstein "birthday book," the House GOP margins shrinking thanks to special elections, and the Texas Senate Democratic primary heating up!

We have an interview with Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari and answer an important question: What should you be learning in your 5th grade government class?

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Epstein victims speak, DC federalization, and interview with Rep. Becca Balint

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:56:19 +0000

Welcome back to Capitol Conversations! In this episode, we discuss recent developments on the Hill, including Republicans' rebranding the "big beautiful bill" and their approach to the Epstein files, as well as the DC federal takeover. In our interview with Congresswoman Balint, we chat about Democrats' responses to the GOP playbook and what they can do better in 2026.

Don't forget our Q&A! We're here to listen, send us your questions! And always remember to like and subscribe!

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Congress faces new spending deadline, upcoming elections, and Rep. Tim Burchett

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:56:10 +0000

Welcome back to Capitol Conversations, your go-to show for the ins and outs of Washington DC. Episode 2: Government funding, 2025 and 2026 elections + interview with Rep. Tim Burchett In this episode, we discuss the upcoming government funding deadline of Sept. 30 (what even is a CR?!) and impending 2025 and 2026 elections. We chat with Rep. Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee, about the appropriations process, his opinion on how the House functions, and his future plans in politics.

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Congress's August recess wrap plus interview with Rep. Greg Landsman

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:55:12 +0000

Welcome to Capitol Conversations, your go-to show for the ins and outs of Washington DC. A lot of political shows are just for the lobbyists of the Beltway, the Hill folk living in the DC-Maryland-Virginia bubble. Not us — we’re here for everyone! We want to be the source for all things politics for your southern belles, your Midwest friends, and anyone on either coast. For staffers and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, we’re here for you, too! We’ll break down latest bills, political infighting, campaign seasons, and the occasional 28-hour days in the US Capitol covering our nation’s lawmakers. But curious about what we wear? How we chase news? What your representative thinks about the latest social media trends? We have you covered there, too. In this episode, we talk to Rep. Greg Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio. We discuss redistricting, the August work period, and what to expect when we head back in September.

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