Ep 2. January 11, 2019

Washington Week is a weekly news discussion show that covers the most important developments in American politics and policy. The second episode of the 2019 season focuses on the events of January 11, with a panel of expert journalists discussing the major stories of the week.

One topic on the agenda is the ongoing partial government shutdown, which had entered its third week by the time this episode aired. The panelists discuss the political and economic impact of the shutdown, which has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay and caused disruptions to many government services. They also explore the reasons behind the shutdown, including President Trump's demands for funding for a border wall.

Another major story discussed on this episode is the confirmation hearings for Attorney General nominee William Barr. The panelists analyze the key issues at stake in the confirmation process, including Barr's views on the special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and his record on civil rights and criminal justice reform.

Elsewhere in Washington, the new Democratic majority in the House of Representatives has been busy passing legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in government. The panelists discuss some of the key bills that have been introduced, and what their chances are of becoming law.

The situation in Syria is also a major topic of discussion on this episode. President Trump recently announced his intention to withdraw U.S. troops from the country, a decision that has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, as well as U.S. allies around the world. The panelists assess the implications of this move for the region and for U.S. foreign policy more broadly.

Finally, the panelists take a look at some of the more lighthearted stories making headlines in the world of politics, including a buzzy new documentary about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and some of the more bizarre moments from President Trump's recent Cabinet meeting.

Overall, the second episode of Washington Week's 2019 season is an engaging and informative discussion of some of the most pressing issues facing the American political landscape. With a diverse panel of experienced journalists offering expert insights and analysis, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in keeping up with the latest developments in U.S. politics and policy.