Vance to address House Republicans at Trump hotel amid division over budget bill

House Republicans are gearing up to hear from Vice President JD Vance on the second day of their annual issues conference, as they strategize on plans for a major conservative policy overhaul. The three-day event is taking place at President Donald Trump’s golf course and resort in Doral, South Florida, showcasing the enduring influence of the former commander-in-chief on the GOP.

The focus of the discussion at the conference is expected to center on the budget reconciliation process, as Republicans navigate the complexities of passing significant conservative policy changes with slim majorities in both the House and Senate. By utilizing reconciliation, the party can bypass the typical 60-vote threshold in the Senate and instead pass legislation with a simple majority of 51 seats, as long as the proposals are related to budgetary and fiscal matters.

Negotiations have been ongoing among Republicans on how to structure their priorities within the reconciliation process. Senate Republicans have advocated for splitting the package into two bills, with an emphasis on early wins in areas such as border security and energy policy, while deferring more intricate issues like tax reform to a later bill.

House Republican leaders, however, are wary of the time-consuming nature of passing a reconciliation bill and are concerned that delaying action could jeopardize the extension of Trump’s tax cuts, set to expire at the end of the year. Vance has not publicly indicated his preference for either approach, leaving room for speculation on how he will navigate the internal party dynamics.

During his address to House Republicans, Trump expressed flexibility on the strategy, stating, “Whether it’s one bill, two bills, I don’t care.” Speaker Mike Johnson has set a target for the House to pass a reconciliation bill by early spring, underscoring the urgency of the legislative agenda ahead.

The conference serves as a crucial platform for Republicans to align on their policy priorities and messaging as they look ahead to the upcoming legislative battles. With Vance at the helm, the party aims to leverage its collective power to drive conservative reforms and deliver on the promises made to their constituents.

As the discussions unfold in sunny Florida, all eyes are on the GOP lawmakers as they navigate the intricacies of the reconciliation process and strive to make meaningful progress on their policy agenda. The outcome of these deliberations will not only shape the party’s trajectory in the coming months but also set the tone for their engagement with key issues affecting the nation.