During the House GOP's policy retreat at President Donald Trump's resort in Doral, Florida, Vice President JD Vance emphasized party unity as leadership begins drafting the president's first major legislative package. While steering clear of complex policy details, Vance addressed a contentious issue that GOP leaders are grappling with: the debt limit.
Vance reiterated Trump's desire to include the debt limit in the GOP's package rather than negotiating with Democrats to avoid giving them leverage. This stance contrasts with House Speaker Mike Johnson's suggestion that passing a debt limit hike with only Republican votes may not be politically feasible.
The conflicting approaches to the debt limit highlight the challenge facing GOP leaders as they navigate the legislative process. Every decision made on the bill risks alienating key players, including Trump himself.
Vance, echoing Trump's earlier remarks, did not provide a specific blueprint for the bill but acknowledged the delicate balance that Johnson and his team must strike. The diverse demands within the party, ranging from SALT tax relief to fiscal reform, further complicate the drafting process.
