DORAL, Fla. – Vice President JD Vance urged Republicans to put aside their differences and “be good” to one another during a closed-door meeting at the House GOP annual issues conference on Tuesday.
The conference is being held at President Donald Trump’s golf course and resort in Doral, Florida, where House Republicans are gathering for three days to discuss how to execute Trump’s legislative agenda. Tensions ran high as some lawmakers skipped the event, sparking a debate about whether their absence is undermining unity among the party.
Rep. Chip Roy, a Texas Republican, did not attend the retreat, citing it as a waste of time and funds. Roy claimed he was at home with his family and meeting with constituents instead, arguing that the conference would not provide value for taxpayers.
Other Republicans have also spoken out about the missed gathering, with some suggesting that the absences are a result of petty complaining and lack of willingness to find common ground.
Vance acknowledged the differences within the party but emphasized the importance of working together to overcome these divisions. During his speech, he told Republicans that Trump wants to raise the debt limit without support from Democrats, which is expected to be a major issue this year.
Several lawmakers who attended the conference praised Vance’s message and emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility in government. Rep. Keith Self, a Texas Republican, stated that Vance’s message was crucial, and Trump’s choice was a “great pick.”