House Republicans Brim with Optimism After Trump’s Speech at Retreat
House Republicans were filled with optimism after President Donald Trump’s speech at their annual retreat on Monday evening, where he detailed his policy goals for the first 100 days of his administration. Trump’s speech, which lasted just over an hour, covered a wide range of topics, from post-election unity to his wishlist for Republicans’ conservative policy overhaul via the budget reconciliation process.
“I think it’s been an extraordinary week,” said House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla. “It’s actually pushed Congress on some action.”
Trump’s speech was well-received by many lawmakers, with some praising the president’s ability to make politics “fun again.”
“This is exactly why we ran for office, to turn around this country as quickly as possible,” said Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla. “And that the president was in full form tonight. And I’m so excited to be a part of this change.”
The president’s speech came as Republicans negotiate on how to use their razor-thin majorities in the House and Senate to pass massive conservative policy changes through budget reconciliation. The process allows a party in control of both congressional chambers to enact sweeping changes with a simple majority, as long as the changes are relevant to budgetary and fiscal policy.
Trump did not specifically endorse a one- or two-reconcilation bill strategy, but instead emphasized the importance of unity and focusing on the issues that affect Americans.
“I think Trump, when he thinks about these things, he’s thinking about just the average person and what a burden it is on them,” said Cole.
Some lawmakers expressed concerns about the increase in federal spending some of Trump’s policy goals may entail, while others praised his focus on specific issues, such as border security and tax reform.
Overall, the president’s speech was seen as a unifying force among House Republicans, with many looking forward to working together to pass legislation in the coming weeks and months.
