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House Republicans wrapped up their strategy retreat at President Donald Trump's Doral resort in Florida, where they huddled with Trump administration officials and the president himself to plot midterm defenses. Speaker Mike Johnson discussed whittling down a potential second reconciliation package amid tight margins, while members debated priorities like agenda items that could pass on party-line votes. Trump zeroed in on the SAVE America Act as a must-pass before November, pushing proof-of-citizenship and voter ID requirements for federal elections, even suggesting additions like transgender surgery restrictions to crack down on voter fraud and guarantee Republican wins. Some Republicans, including Rep. Blake Moore, pushed back on blending culture-war issues into the bill, and Senate leaders worry it lacks votes without filibuster changes.

Tensions escalated in the Middle East as Trump renewed calls for nations like the UK, China, and France to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, choked off a fifth of global oil supplies. The U.S. ramped up strikes, hitting over 90 military targets on Iran's Kharg Island oil hub in what Trump called one of the most powerful raids in regional history, sparing oil infrastructure for decency. Iran retaliated with strikes on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and a UAE energy hub, prompting Marine deployments and warship movements. Trump deflected on timelines, saying the conflict lasts as long as necessary, while experts note economic pressures from spiking oil prices could force quicker resolutions despite Gulf states urging U.S. success.

Senate Republicans eye 2026 midterms with optimism from NRSC Chair Tim Scott, who sees paths to 54 or 55 seats despite inflation headwinds and Trump's approval dips. Key races include flipping Michigan with ex-Rep. Mike Rogers and Minnesota via pundit Michele Tafoya after Democratic retirements. Yet, intra-party friction brews over Trump's SAVE Act pressure, including tying it to his Texas Senate endorsement between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, infuriating some senators who say it can't pass. Sen. Ron Johnson credits Trump's Iran moves but warns of midterm risks.

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