House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will meet with Senate Republicans during their weekly lunch on Tuesday in an effort to mend escalating internal divisions. The GOP-controlled Congress has been rife with disagreements over key priorities, including ICE and Border Patrol funding, the SAVE Act, and a long-term extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

Johnson is expected to emphasize unity and open communication as Republicans prepare for upcoming reconciliation packages. This marks his first appearance at a Senate GOP lunch this year. U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran will also attend to discuss funding for presidential security, including enhancements for a new ballroom.

Growing Friction Between Chambers

House conservatives have increasingly viewed the Senate as a roadblock, while Senate Republicans criticize what they see as unrealistic demands from the House. This tension has led to repeated standoffs, including disputes over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill. House conservatives rebelled against the Senate's two-track strategy, which funded DHS but delayed additional ICE and Border Patrol funding for reconciliation.

"I hate the Senate," Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) said last month amid FISA disagreements. "There are like two and a half good senators."

Critical Deadlines Loom

Republicans now face a high-stakes push to pass a second reconciliation package with border funding by President Trump’s June 1 deadline. Senate Republicans recently proposed $1 billion in security funding for Trump’s ballroom, a move that has faced resistance from moderates. Democrats are poised to frame this as a costly contrast to their affordability-focused agenda.

Another flashpoint remains the lack of clarity on a long-term Section 702 FISA extension. Despite two short-term renewals, disputes over warrant requirements and a Federal Reserve-backed digital currency ban continue to stall progress. House conservatives insist the crypto provision remain attached, further complicating negotiations.

The SAVE Act, a cornerstone GOP election bill, also remains stalled as House Republicans criticize Senate counterparts for refusing to eliminate the filibuster to advance it.