President Donald Trump is set to meet with a group of politically vulnerable House Republicans as the party grapples with implementing tax cuts and other key priorities. Despite holding the White House and majorities in Congress, Republicans face challenges due to slim margins in Capitol Hill and disagreements on various issues.
Trump's meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson follows a series of private sessions aimed at uniting the party. The President has also hosted dinners with lawmakers and is scheduled to address them at a retreat in Florida.
Johnson emphasized the importance of collaboration between the White House and Congress to advance the 'America First' agenda. The meeting with Trump is seen as a kick-start to the legislative agenda.
Attendees at the meeting include representatives from New York, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska, all of whom represent districts won by Democrats in the last election.
The discussions have centered on strategies for tax cuts, deportations, and federal workforce reductions. While Trump favors a comprehensive bill, Senate Republicans prefer a two-step approach, focusing first on border security and then on tax and spending cuts.
Substantive differences also exist among Republicans, with some prioritizing the restoration of the SALT deduction, particularly important for lawmakers from high-tax states like New York.
Despite shared goals of tax reduction and government downsizing, Republicans are navigating both strategic and substantive divisions as they seek to advance their legislative agenda.
