GOP faces midterm hurdle as unity fades and attention turns to smaller fixes

At a Florida policy retreat, Republicans project optimism for the midterms but privately doubt they can pass another large, filibuster-proof megabill. Some lawmakers want to pivot to kitchen-table issues like housing and costs, while leaders entertain a smaller package rather than a repeat of last year’s broad tax measure. Trump’s stance looms, pressuring for immigration-related messaging, and Speaker Mike Johnson signals a possible path forward with a more limited legislative aim, highlighting deep tensions over strategy as the election nears.