House Republicans fly down to Trump’s backyard for annual working retreat
House Republicans are convening in South Florida this week for their annual issues conference, where President Donald Trump is set to address lawmakers as they strategize the GOP agenda for the next two years. The choice of location at Trump National Doral, his golf course and resort near Miami, reflects the House GOP’s emphasis on unity with Trump.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., confirmed that Trump will speak at the conference, underscoring the president’s keen interest in the Republican majorities in the House and Senate. The focus of discussions will center on utilizing the budget reconciliation process to enact a comprehensive conservative policy overhaul. By lowering the threshold for Senate passage to a simple majority, reconciliation enables the party in control of both chambers to implement substantial changes, provided they pertain to budgetary and fiscal matters.
In addition to reconciliation, lawmakers are grappling with the reinstatement of the debt ceiling this month, following a temporary suspension during the Trump administration. Moreover, the looming deadline on March 14 to avert a partial government shutdown adds urgency to the proceedings, as Congress has granted extensions twice since the close of the previous fiscal year on Oct. 1.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., expressed readiness to tackle a range of issues, from border security to tax reform, energy policy, defense, and national security. He highlighted the importance of fulfilling the agenda outlined for the American people over the next two years. Lawler anticipated that reconciliation would feature prominently in Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the need for party cohesion given the narrow margins in both chambers.
Several Republicans, including Lawler, have drawn lines in the sand during discussions, insisting on the removal of state and local tax deduction caps in any reconciliation bill. These limits have strained suburban districts outside major cities, prompting lawmakers to take a firm stance on the issue. Despite the complexities involved, Lawler remained optimistic about the prospect of Republicans finding common ground.
While the Miami conference may not resolve all outstanding issues, it serves as a pivotal opportunity for lawmakers to delve into the intricacies of the various policy matters at hand. The three-day gathering offers a platform for in-depth discussions and deliberations, laying the groundwork for future collaboration and consensus-building among Republicans.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is leading coverage of the House of Representatives. With previous digital bylines at Daily Mail and CBS News, she brings a wealth of experience to her reporting. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
