House Republicans Seek Path for Trump Agenda Amid War and Election Headwinds

GOP leaders hope Florida retreat will forge unity as affordability issues loom large for voters

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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House Republicans will gather at President Trump's Doral golf resort in Florida this week to try to advance the administration's legislative agenda, as war with Iran and rising costs put their narrow majority on the defensive ahead of November's midterm elections. With a 218-214 majority, party leaders can lose no more than two votes on legislation opposed by Democrats, while also contending with deficit hawk Rep. Thomas Massie. Republicans are aware that affordability, especially on health care and housing, is the top issue for voters, but Democrats hold a slight edge on the cost-of-living issue.

Why it matters

The outcome of the House Republican retreat could determine whether the GOP is able to make progress on Trump's agenda in the final months before the midterm elections, when control of Congress hangs in the balance. With a slim majority, Republican leaders will need to find ways to unite their fractious caucus and address voter concerns about the rising cost of living.

The details

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leaders hope the Florida retreat will help forge unity as they seek to advance legislation on issues like housing affordability, Trump's tariffs, new tax cuts, and increased defense spending. They plan to use the budget reconciliation process to bypass Democratic opposition in the Senate, as they did last year to pass Trump's tax cut and spending bill. However, some Senate Republicans are concerned that another reconciliation bill could expose party divisions and give Democrats opportunities to force politically sensitive votes.

  • The House Republican retreat is taking place this week at Trump's Doral golf resort in Florida.
  • The midterm elections are scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Mike Johnson

The Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Steve Scalise

The Republican Majority Leader, the second-highest ranking House Republican.

Thomas Massie

A Republican Congressman from Kentucky who is a deficit hawk.

Jodey Arrington

The Republican Chair of the House Budget Committee.

James Lankford

The Republican Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference.

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What they’re saying

“There's still things we want to do this year with this majority to work with President Trump to make life more affordable for American families.”

— Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader (Reuters)

“To put the gear into neutral and coast, legislatively, with no commitment to further action would be governing malpractice.”

— Jodey Arrington, House Budget Committee Chair (Reuters)

“The goal is not to have reconciliation. The goal is to solve a policy issue.”

— James Lankford, Senate Republican Conference Vice Chair (Reuters)

What’s next

The House Republican retreat at Trump's Doral resort in Florida is expected to produce a legislative agenda that the party will push in the coming months, leading up to the November 2026 midterm elections.

The takeaway

The House Republican retreat in Florida highlights the party's challenge of uniting its fractious caucus and addressing voter concerns about affordability, especially on issues like health care and housing, as they seek to advance President Trump's agenda in the face of a looming midterm election battle.