It’s the last week in the legislative calendar and the last episode of CONTROL for the year, leaving plenty of hot topics for hosts Brendan Buck, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci. The trio discuss the relationship between President-elect Trump, Speaker Johnson and Incoming Senate Majority Leader Thune as they map out a plan for reconciliation and analyze the drama at the Steering Committee. At the end, what the hosts are looking out for in 2025.

Hosts: Brendan Buck, Annalyse Keller, Mike Ricci

Producer: Benji Englander

Articles Discussed:

Fox News: President-elect Trump takes in Army-Navy game with powerhouse posse

The Hill: Johnson says new GOP agenda will be ‘very aggressive beginning right out of the gate’

The Hill: Thune expects tax package by summer: ‘Failure is not an option’

Politico: Conservatives fall in line behind Mike Johnson ahead of speaker race

Punchbowl: Inside how Johnson handled steering and what it means for the pitfalls ahead

It’s the question that shape the agenda next year: Will Congress do two reconciliation bills in 2025 or jam everything into one package? Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the differing plans from incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith, as well as answer key questions about the reconciliation process. Then, they are joined by Manu Raju, CNN's Chief Congressional Correspondent, to talk about the Senate confirmation battles for Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel.

Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller

Guest: Manu Raju

Producer: Benji Englander

Articles Discussed:

CNN: GOP rifts open over Trump agenda as legislative landmines await new Congress

WaPo: GOP caught between immigration and tax cuts for early 2025 priorities

Reuters: Embattled Trump nominees Hegseth, Gabbard visit Senate seeking support

CNN: Key GOP senators begin to fall in line to support Kash Patel and keep door open for Pete Hegseth

Punchbowl: NDAA moves complicate passage

The House and Senate return this week to begin wrapping up this Congress, while planning for the next one is picking up speed. With Republicans set to hold the smallest majority in about a century next Congress, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down how the margin will impact policymaking next year. They get into what’s left on the agenda for December before asking how seriously we should all take the DOGE. Then, they welcome former Parliamentarian of the House Tom Wickham for a deep dive into some of the big procedural questions facing Washington. Can the President really just declare Congress in recess to make appointments? How can immigration and tariffs fit into the reconciliation equation? And what to make of the House trying to dislodge the ethics report on Matt Gaetz? It’s all critical primer as we head into the next Congress.

Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller

Guest: Tom Wickham

Producer: Benji Englander

Articles Discussed:

CBS News: Incoming House majority squeezed by Trump's planned appointments

Fox News: Present and Accounted For: House Republicans' small majority could make attendance a priority

CNBC: Musk, Ramaswamy to discuss DOGE with GOP leaders on Capitol Hill Dec. 5

Politico: Congress readies another funding punt ahead of pre-Christmas shutdown deadline

Roll Call: Trump and recess appointments: A procedural and legal quagmire

AP: Trump and Republicans in Congress eye an ambitious 100-day agenda, starting with tax cuts