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/

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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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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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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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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

Read more here:

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/4455101/house-votes-repeal-trump-canada-tariffs/

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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/

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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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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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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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