After weeks of buildup, the moment of truth arrives – can Speaker Johnson pass the budget resolution? Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller dive into all the scenarios at play and how the Senate will respond after advancing down their two-bill track. Later, they debate the congressional politics of DOGE and if lawmakers can reassert their power of the purse. At the end, trying to answer the question “who is the leader of the Democratic party?”

Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller

Producer: Benji Englander

Articles Discussed

Brendan’s New York Times Op-Ed on DOGE

Punchbowl: Johnson’s task: A tricky budget resolution vote followed by a shutdown fight

The Hill: Johnson makes ‘prayer request’ ahead of critical vote on Trump agenda bill

AP: Senate Republicans approve budget framework, pushing past Democratic objections after all-night vote

WaPo: Back in their districts, GOP lawmakers get an earful on DOGE and Musk

New York Times: Bracing for a Shutdown Fight, Democrats Warn Their Votes Are Not a Given

Axios: Democrats spot opening to kneecap GOP's budget plans