President Trump to Meet Senate Republicans at Closed Luncheon

The session marks his first appearance at the weekly gathering in more than a year. The president has pressed the Senate to advance a proof-of-citizenship voting bill that lacks sufficient support to pass under current rules. He has also delayed action on one of his own nominees and sought funding for a White House ballroom project.

Senators have raised concerns that these demands have diverted attention from other priorities. Some have also questioned the administration's approach to the Iran conflict. Texas Sen. John Cornyn said Tuesday that the party needs to align before the midterm elections.

"If we're going to win the midterm elections, we need to get on the same page," he said. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the voting bill lacks the votes needed to eliminate the filibuster. He described the 60-vote threshold as a hard reality.

Trump's endorsement of primary challengers against two Republican incumbents has reduced his support within the chamber. Both senators lost their primaries and have since become more critical of the president. Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who leads the weekly lunch, extended the invitation to the president.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee has used social media to advocate eliminating the filibuster and passing the voting bill. Several colleagues confronted him last week over the public campaign. Trump has also delayed the nomination of Jay Clayton for national intelligence director and linked renewal of a surveillance law to passage of the voting measure.

Most senators have not yet been briefed on the Iran agreement.