Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at the House Republican annual retreat, underscoring the party's efforts to maintain a unified front with the former president as they embark on an ambitious legislative agenda for the first 100 days of the new congressional session. The retreat, significantly held at Trump National Doral near Miami, highlights the close alignment between the House GOP and Trump.

Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed Trump's planned address and indicated his anticipation of discussing various policy matters with the former president, including the possibility of linking wildfire aid for California to measures addressing noncitizen voting, a proposal previously suggested by Trump.

Trump has expressed his intention to closely monitor the Republican-controlled House and Senate, especially concerning their strategy for leveraging the budget reconciliation process to implement substantial conservative policy changes. Reconciliation allows for passing legislation with a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the usual 60-vote threshold, provided the measures pertain to budgetary and fiscal matters.

The retreat's agenda emphasizes reconciliation, with multiple closed-door sessions dedicated to the topic. Speaker Johnson hinted that it would likely be a central theme of Trump's address. He emphasized the strategic planning undertaken by House Republicans in anticipation of this moment and the upcoming decisions regarding the legislative sequence, in coordination with Senate colleagues.

Alongside reconciliation, lawmakers face the reinstated debt ceiling and the looming deadline to prevent a partial government shutdown. These pressing issues add to the complexity of the legislative landscape.

Rep. Mike Lawler highlighted the range of critical issues on the agenda, from border security and tax reform to energy, defense, national security, and the national debt, emphasizing the importance of delivering on the promises made to the American people. He expects Trump to address reconciliation in his remarks.

Given the slim Republican majorities in both chambers, maintaining party unity is crucial for legislative success. Rep. Lawler, among others, has drawn a line in the sand regarding the state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps, insisting on their removal as a condition for supporting any reconciliation bill. This issue particularly affects suburban districts near major cities.

While acknowledging that the retreat's short duration won't resolve all outstanding issues, Lawler views it as a vital opportunity for in-depth discussions and progress towards a unified approach.