Skip to content
RollCall logo

Podcasts

The dog days are here already for Congress

Political Theater, Episode 414

A representative from the Kurdistan Communities Assembly lays flowers outside the office of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on July 13. Graham leaves a legacy as a foreign policy hawk and involved legislator.
A representative from the Kurdistan Communities Assembly lays flowers outside the office of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on July 13. Graham leaves a legacy as a foreign policy hawk and involved legislator. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
By Jason Dick
Posted July 16, 2026 at 12:48pm

Jason Dick and Molly Reynolds discuss how history will view the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., how congressional illnesses are starting to affect the institution, why things are getting stuck in both chambers, and what a weird time it is for the legislative branch. 

Show Notes:

Recent Stories

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and ranking member Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., conduct a news conference at the Capitol on Sept. 14 with student-athletes and coaches on a bill to address name, image and likeness in college sports. The Senate is aiming to pass the bill this week. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

This week: Senate still at work on college sports bill

President Donald Trump shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026.

Trump-Xi summit underscores risk of outright data center bans

An aerial view, a Flock camera is seen on Monday in Burbank, Calif.

Flock cameras controversy set for Senate hearing

A podium is pictured on the House steps of the Capitol on Wednesday before a news conference.

‘Some months, you don’t even have to come to work’ — Congressional Hits and Misses

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during the 2026 National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at the Pentagon on Friday.

Pentagon’s latest Iran war cost estimate: $43.6 billion

Reps. Becca Balint and Julie Fedorchak, center, talk during a congressional softball practice, alongside Rep. Hillary Scholten, left. This year’s game will be played at Audi Field on Sept. 23.

In a ‘very hard’ year for women in Congress, at least there’s still softball