House Republicans are setting their sights on a bold legislative agenda ahead of the August recess, with plans to pass another party-line bill. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to consolidate power before the midterm elections. During closed-door meetings on Tuesday, GOP leaders and members discussed the necessity of finalizing a third reconciliation bill by the end of July, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence in meeting this aggressive timeline. “I do think Republicans can meet that timeline,” Johnson told POLITICO after leaving the House floor. Rep. August Pfluger, chair of the Republican Study Committee and a proponent of the bill, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We have achieved every objective and goal that we set out to do. And we will achieve this one as well.”

However, the path to realizing this goal is fraught with obstacles. A senior Republican noted the limited number of legislative days available — just over 30 — before the summer recess begins on July 23. Additionally, both the House and Senate need to approve an identical budget resolution, a process that proved lengthy and contentious during last year’s drafting of the GOP’s major legislative package.

Complicating matters further is the ongoing debate over the party’s second reconciliation bill, which focuses on immigration enforcement but has been bogged down due to contentious spending provisions. Of particular controversy is a proposal to allocate up to $1 billion for the Secret Service and security enhancements for President Donald Trump’s ballroom project, which has not resonated well with the electorate.

Amid these legislative challenges, some GOP members have raised concerns that the party needs to more effectively address cost-of-living issues as voters face rising prices. The lack of public enthusiasm for the “big, beautiful bill” passed last year, coupled with internal divisions over proposals such as a gas-tax holiday supported by Trump, has added to the party’s difficulties. These issues, along with stalled housing and energy permitting bills, have highlighted the political peril facing the Republicans as they navigate a complex legislative landscape.

Senator Rick Scott summed up the situation with cautious optimism: “Well, do we pass it? Or do we try? I know we're going to try.”

What else we’re watching:

— GOP Leaders Lukewarm on Gas Tax Holiday: Trump’s proposal to suspend the federal gasoline tax has not gained the expected momentum among GOP leaders. Despite the ongoing Middle East conflict spiking fuel prices, congressional leaders appear hesitant to back the plan without a more direct appeal from Trump.

— Warsh Poised for Record Low Bipartisan Support: The Senate is set to vote on Kevin Warsh’s nomination to lead the Federal Reserve, which is expected to draw minimal bipartisan support. While Warsh has impressed some Democrats in private meetings, many are reluctant to support him, viewing him as too closely aligned with Trump’s agenda.

As the summer legislative session heats up, House Republicans are racing against time and internal dissent to demonstrate their governance capabilities to an increasingly skeptical electorate.