WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson frequently likens himself to the quarterback, with President-elect Donald Trump playing the role of coach directing their legislative priorities as Republicans assume power in Washington. However, as Trump prepares to meet with GOP senators on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Republicans are facing a quandary: What happens when the coach changes his game plan?
Trump has sent mixed signals, wavering on the best approach to advance the party’s legislative agenda. Key issues at stake include tax cuts, border security, funding for deportations, and initiatives to boost oil and gas production — all priorities for Republicans in the White House, House, and Senate.
House Republicans favor a unified bill while Senate leaders are advocating for at least two separate bills. Trump initially expressed a preference for “one big, beautiful bill,” but later indicated he might consider two bills for a potentially quicker process, particularly with regard to immigration matters.
With Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20 rapidly approaching, Republicans are working to resolve their differences. They have been meeting with Trump privately to devise a strategy for making progress in the first 100 days of his administration, recognizing the importance of seizing the political momentum at the outset of a new presidential term.
Republicans are pinning their hopes on the complex budget reconciliation process to push through Trump’s agenda. This method allows Congress to pass bills with a simple majority in the Senate, avoiding potential filibusters that could stifle progress. While reconciliation offers significant benefits, it is also challenging and time-consuming, with no guarantees of success.
Amidst these deliberations, House Democrats are standing firm against Republican proposals, criticizing plans for tax breaks for the wealthy and cuts to social services. Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of all Americans, rather than focusing on tax breaks for millionaires.
As Republicans and Democrats navigate these complexities, the challenge remains to find common ground and forge a path forward in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
Republicans aim to unify on legislative priorities as President Trump convenes meetings with GOP senators at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. The session, scheduled during Trump’s presence in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral services, seeks to align Senate and House Republicans on key policy issues.
Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, the second-ranking Republican, emphasized the importance of synchronizing efforts with the House, indicating a desire for cohesion within the party. Majority Leader John Thune proposed a strategy dividing Trump’s priorities into two bills, with one focusing on border security, mass deportations, energy development, and military funding, while the second package would address tax cuts at a later stage.
Barrasso highlighted the potential for quicker progress with the proposed strategy, aiming to expedite the approval of the initial bill within the new administration’s first 30 days. The approach strategically separates urgent matters, such as border security and energy production, from the timeline of tax-related issues, given that the GOP tax cuts remain effective until the year’s end.
The utilization of reconciliation, historically a procedural tool for budget adjustments, has evolved into a partisan mechanism for passing legislation amidst opposition. Facing resistance from Democrats, Republicans view reconciliation as a means to advance their agenda, acknowledging the challenge of slim majorities in Congress, particularly in the House.
Trump’s upcoming meetings with House Republicans at Mar-a-Lago underscore the ongoing effort to coordinate legislative strategies. Members like Rep. Kevin Hern endorse a consolidated approach, recognizing the necessity of compromise to achieve consensus within the party. Senator Shelley Moore Capito advocates for a two-bill strategy to secure an early victory, signaling commitment to legislative priorities.
As Trump’s presidency unfolds, his inclination for flexibility poses a dynamic challenge for lawmakers navigating policy decisions. Senator Markwayne Mullin reflects Trump’s desire for comprehensive action while remaining open to adapting the legislative approach as needed.
The discussions among Republican lawmakers underscore the intricate process of aligning priorities and strategies within the party. As they seek to advance key policy initiatives, the deliberations at Mar-a-Lago and in Washington reflect a concerted effort towards unity and progress in the legislative agenda.
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Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
