President Donald Trump is scheduled to address House Republicans at their annual retreat on Monday, which will take place at Trump National Doral, his golf course and resort near Miami. This marks another effort by the House GOP conference to unite with Trump as they work to achieve his goal for a busy first 100 days of the new administration.
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that Trump will address the lawmakers and expects to discuss several issues, including the potential condition of wildfire aid to California. Johnson also suggested that the House Republicans’ push for unity with Trump will be a key part of Trump’s speech.
Lawmakers are focusing on the budget reconciliation process, which allows a party in control of both congressional chambers to enact sweeping changes to budgetary and fiscal policy. Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are working together on reconciliation, and Trump’s speech is expected to emphasize the importance of the process.
In addition to reconciliation, lawmakers are also contending with the debt ceiling being reinstated this month and the deadline to avert a partial government shutdown, which is set for March 14.
Representative Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said he is optimistic about finding a path forward despite the challenges. He believes that Trump’s speech will emphasize the importance of reconciliation and highlighted the need for lawmakers to come together to pass a comprehensive package.
Other lawmakers have drawn red lines in the discussions, vowing not to vote for a reconciliation bill that does not lift state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps. However, Lawler is realistic about setting expectations for the short Florida trip and believes that lawmakers will eventually come together to pass the necessary legislation.