Republicans retreat to look for answers for future

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — The conservative firebrands who helped sweep Republicans into control of the U.S. House in 2010 are coming to terms with their ability to reshape a divided Washington.

Two years of clashes with a Democratic Senate and President Obama have forced House Republicans, huddled here for their annual three-day retreat, to reassess their playbook for the upcoming Congress, which starts in earnest after the president's re-inauguration.

"I think the vast majority of the conversation is that we have an opportunity for a fresh start and to really come at this new Congress as recognizing that we don't run Washington, D.C.," said Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., one of more than 200 lawmakers gathered here. "We're minority members (in Washington), and we have to do what we can to protect people and to protect this country."

The gathering focused intently on upcoming budget battles that include a vote around mid-February to early-March to extend the $16.4 trillion debt ceiling, pending across-the-board spending cuts that will take effect March 1, and a March 27 deadline to avert a government shutdown when the funding runs out.

Republicans face a dual challenge: to achieve desired spending cuts to reduce the deficit, particularly through entitlement programs, while shielding the party from political harm after two years of brinksmanship politics that resulted in historically low congressional approval ratings and the re-election of Obama, despite the GOP's best efforts.

House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., a prospective 2016 contender, offered support for a short-term deal to increase the debt limit if an agreement is not reached before it hits its statutory limit. The proposal would take the prospect of default off the table, at least for the short term, and give the party more time to negotiate with Democrats.

"We believe that it would be wrong if we walk out of this spring with no achievement on debt reduction whatsoever," Ryan said. He echoed the less aggressive tone toward achieving that end. "We also have to recognize the realities of divided government that we have."

President Obama has asked Congress to approve a debt ceiling increase without conditions to assuage financial markets about the solvency of the world's most influential economy. The debt ceiling does not authorize new spending, it is money used to pay for obligations Washington has already approved.

Republicans start this battle fresh from the "fiscal cliff" deal that averted tax hikes for most Americans and punted on spending cuts until March. The final vote split the GOP rank-and-file and the party leadership, raising questions about House Speaker John Boehner's ability to corral his party in the upcoming budget battles.

"All I will say is the sine qua non of leadership is followership. If you don't have followers, it is tough to lead," Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said this week.

Beyond the budget battles on the horizon, Ryan said the House is committed to overhauling the federal tax code.

Republicans discussed how they can improve the party's standing among women and minorities, who voted decisively with Obama in 2012. "Obviously we've got to address this," said Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., who runs the House Republicans' campaign operation for the 2014 elections.

Republicans are not concerned about their control of the House. The party holds the chamber 233-200, with two vacancies.

A whittled field of competitive districts after the 2012 redistricting process has put the GOP in a strong position heading in to the next election. "When you look at the targets of opportunity out there for both parties, we start with a very strong base, stronger than we probably have ever had," Walden said.