With Congress facing a partial government shutdown at the end of the week, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the roadblocks to funding the government and Speaker Johnson’s continued struggle to lead the Republican conference. They talk about the threats Johnson faces from the House Freedom Caucus in moving a spending package and efforts to advance Ukraine foreign aid legislation. Plus, they debate whether Democrats will bail out Johnson if he faces a motion to vacate the chair from the right and, of course, make predictions on the likelihood of a shutdown – all while looking ahead to next week’s SOTU address!

Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller

Producer: Benji Englander

Articles Discussed:

Washington Post: GOP elder statesmen’s message to Johnson: Stop dithering

Washington Post: How House members are trying to circumvent Johnson

New York Times: Days Before Shutdown Deadline, Biden Summons Congressional Leaders for Talks

Reuters: Ukraine supporters lay path to try to force US House vote on aid bill