Republicans Gather at Doral, Seek Unity on Agenda

0:00On March 9th, House Republicans are gathering at President Trump's derailed golf resort in Florida this week to rally around his agenda. With a slim 218-214 majority in the House, they're facing pressure from rising costs, ongoing wars, and the November midterm elections. Speaker Mike Johnson hopes the retreat will build unity among members who have been tough to wrangle on key votes. Trump plans to address the group on Monday, but some in the party are frustrated by his recent emphasis on foreign conflicts like the U.S.-Israeli, tensions with Iran, and tariffs that have driven up prices. Leaders can afford to lose just two votes on bills opposed by Democrats, and they often battle no votes from fiscal conservatives like Kentucky, Representative Thomas Massey. Voters are laser-focused on affordability issues, such as health care and housing, where recent polls show Democrats holding a slight advantage. Voters know they need wins to hold the House, especially with stalemates blocking immigration reforms and homeland security funding.

1:01The group is eyeing budget reconciliation as a workaround to pass major legislation without needing 60 Senate votes. They used it last year for a big tax and spending package projected to add $4.7 trillion to the deficit over 10 years, as National debt hits $38.5 trillion. These include new tax cuts on tips and overtime, housing measures, defense boosts, and immigration steps, though hard-minors demand spending, offsets. Leaders aim to pick from this broad playbook and emerge with a clear plan to deliver for families before time runs out.