The commencement of the second session of the 119th Congress has been anything but smooth for the House Republicans, who are currently grappling with unforeseen difficulties and tight legislative margins that could significantly impact their agenda in this midterm election year.

Initially set to be a unifying day-long policy retreat at the Kennedy Center, the GOP Conference was rocked by the sudden death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) and the hospitalization of Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.) following a car accident. These events have sharply highlighted the fragility of the Republican majority in the House, now standing at a precarious 218-213. With Baird's absence, Speaker Mike Johnson finds himself in a position where losing even a single GOP vote could derail party-line legislative efforts.

The atmosphere within the party is tense, as one anonymous House Republican put it, "We keep saying we are one breath away from the minority — that’s more true today than ever."

The challenges don't stop there. On Tuesday, internal conflicts emerged when the House Rules Committee recessed without approving the debate for a "minibus" funding package due to objections from Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and other conservatives over earmarks aimed at Democratic districts. The committee is expected to reconvene Wednesday morning to hash out a compromise that could satisfy both conservative demands and the necessary Democratic support in the Senate.

Adding to the complexity, former President Donald Trump’s remarks at the Tuesday retreat stirred controversy among Republicans by suggesting a flexible approach to federal funding for abortion, a stance that contradicts the conservative push to include abortion funding bans in any extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies. This disagreement sets the stage for a contentious procedural vote on the legislation slated for Wednesday.

Despite these hurdles, the House is anticipated to pass the bill on Thursday with backing from all Democrats and some Republicans. The focus will then shift to the Senate for further deliberation.

Looking ahead, Congressional leaders have a packed agenda that extends beyond internal strife. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials are scheduled to brief Congress on the Venezuela operation, a critical discussion given the geopolitical implications.

Moreover, with a looming deadline to avoid a government shutdown, Congress is under pressure to pass several spending bills swiftly. These include packages covering sectors from Homeland Security to Education, as outlined by Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine).

As this critical week unfolds, all eyes are on the House Republicans as they navigate these tumultuous waters, aiming to secure legislative victories while maintaining party cohesion in an increasingly uncertain political landscape.