House Democrats are slated to begin their annual retreat in Philadelphia on Wednesday evening after the lower chamber his some road bumps in passing a massive government funding bill.
The Pennsylvania retreat comes as the party faces an uphill battle in retaining the House, with President Joe Biden expected to address the caucus Friday as lawmakers plot their strategy to hold the majority in November. House Republicans need to net five seats in the 435-member chamber to win the majority.
In addition to Biden, lawmakers are set to hear from a slew of high-profile administration officials as they strategize their policy and political strategies during the yearly event.
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On Wednesday evening, top climate adviser Gina McCarthy and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh are slated to lead the keynote conversation of the day with the theme “Building a Better America.”
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, former Attorney General Eric Holder, ex-Ambassador to the Russian Federation Michael McFaul, and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler are slated to attend the event.
In addition to huddling with senior officials, lawmakers are expected to be treated to a performance by Lady Bunny on Wednesday evening and DJ Jazzy Jeff on Thursday night, giving members time to socialize outside of Washington.
The retreat comes just one week after Biden saw a slight uptick in his approval ratings which have taken a hit in recent months after giving his State of the Union address last week and as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate. Skyrocketing gas prices have also soured the public’s mood, less than eight months out from Election Day.
Both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris addressed members at last year’s retreat virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The president is also slated to meet with Senate Democrats at their retreat in Washington on Wednesday.
Senate Democrats are expected to discuss their sweeping reconciliation bill, which aims to tackle a number of climate-related topics in addition to boosting social spending programs after the measure was derailed late last year.
“Our goal is to have the wages that have increased continue to go up and see costs go down so the average American has more money in their pocket,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said in a statement.
