When the PGA announced a plan to merge with its former rival, the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, sources with the league told Bloomberg Government's Kate Ackley they didn't expect to encounter major regulatory roadblocks. However, a week later, that now appears far too optimistic.

Lawmakers from across the ideological spectrum have criticized the deal, both for antitrust concerns and for Saudi Arabia's grim history of human rights abuses. On this week's episode of our weekly podcast, On The Merits, Ackley says the kingdom may have to tap its army of lobbyists in Washington to keep the merger alive.

Also, Bloomberg Law's Dan Papscun joins us to talk about an obscure government committee that could make or break the merger with its review for national security concerns.

Do you have feedback on this episode of On The Merits? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.