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WASHINGTON -- Two Republicans from the Philadelphia area have broken with President Trump and his executive order barring U.S. entry for all refugees and the citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries -- making them some of only a handful from the GOP to oppose a move that has stirred widespread protests, including in Philadelphia.

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Most local Republicans, however, have remained silent, including some who have previously denounced bans targeting Muslims, while Democrats from the region have raced to airports to support people detained there and to forcefully denounce the president's actions.

"The president's policy entirely misses the mark," said U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.), a Bucks County freshman who noted that he spent more than a decade as an FBI supervisory special agent working on counterterrorism.

"We were focused on solutions, not engaging in partisan attacks or declaring a singular fix to a complicated issue," Fitzpatrick said in a statement issued shortly after midnight Sunday morning. He added, "The reality is, terrorism inspired by radicalism and hate is global in scope and, as such, requires a comprehensive response, not a purely regional focus. While serious actions are needed to protect our country, these must not be done in a way that singles out any specific nations or ethnicities."

U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (R., Pa.) said U.S. policy, while protecting Americans, should also "protect innocent and vulnerable people abroad."

The Allentown Congressman's district includes a large Syrian population. He said one family there told his office of Christian Syrian relatives who had valid visas and were not refugees, but were turned away at Philadelphia International Airport and may be forced back to Syria.

"This is unacceptable," Dent said, urging "a more thoughtful and deliberate policy."

Most Republicans from the Philadelphia area, however, had not issued statements on the ban as of early Sunday morning, and some other Republicans backed it.

"This is not a religious test and it is not a ban on people of any religion," said a spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wisc.).

Trump told reporters "its not a Muslim ban, but we were totally prepared." He added, "Its working out very nicely. You see it at the airports, you see it all over."

Local Democrats were at some of those airports, raising fierce objections.

Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) went to Philadelphia's airport from a downtown ball, still in his tuxedo, to join protesters and other Democrats advocating for several people detained after a flight from Qatar and caught up in legal wrangling over the order. Two Christian families from Syria had already been sent back to Qatar before a judge's decision halted Trump's order.

"Generations of Americans have fought for the fundamental principles of this nation. We have a sacred obligation to do the same," Casey wrote on Twitter. In another post he added, ".@realDonaldTrump made a political decision w/ exec order. Whatever the politics, I won't stand by as the promise of America is diminished."

Philadelphia's three Congressmen, Bob Brady, Brendan Boyle and Dwight Evans, all Democrats, also blasted the ban.

Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.), meanwhile, went to Dulles International Airport just outside Washington to speak up for legal U.S. residents detained there and vowed to go to Newark Liberty Internal Airport Sunday."This Executive Order violates our values and assaults our moral standing as a nation," Booker wrote on Twitter.

Around 1 a.m. Sunday, Boyle urged more Republicans to speak out.

"Many of you are friends of mine," he wrote on Twitter. "I know you don't agree w/ Trump. You need to go public NOW before it's too late."

Few have so far responded to his urging.

This post will be updated as further responses are issued.

Published: January 29, 2017 8:22 AM EST | Updated: January 29, 2017 8:46 AM EST

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Two Philly-area Republicans break with Trump on ban - Philly.com

Aaron Blake, The Washington Post

President Donald Trumps executive order to ban entry to the United States to citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries has been roundly criticized by the international community and Democrats, who allege is amounts to a religious test even a thinly veiled Muslim ban. There have also been numerous implementation headaches, with two judges halting deportations of those denied entry.

And some Republicans are speaking out against Trump too albeit to varying degrees. Below, we break down who has gone on the record for, against, or somewhat in the middle on Trumps executive order.

This list is necessarily incomplete, but it will be updated as more lawmakers weigh in. If you see one weve missed, email aaron.blake@washpost.com.

Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa.: This is ridiculous. I guess I understand what his intention is, but unfortunately the order appears to have been rushed through without full consideration. You know, there are many, many nuances of immigration policy that can be life or death for many innocent, vulnerable people around the world.

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz.: Its unacceptable when even legal permanent residents are being detained or turned away at airports and ports of entry.

Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich.: Like Pres. Obamas executive actions on immigration, Pres. Trumps executive order overreaches and undermines our constitutional system.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.: The order is too broad. If we send a signal to the Middle East that the U.S. sees all Muslims as jihadis, the terrorist recruiters win by telling kids that America is banning Muslims and that this is America versus one religion. Our generational fight against jihadism requires wisdom.

Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-Va.: The presidents Executive Order [goes] beyond the increased vetting actions that Congress has supported on a bipartisan basis and inexplicably applied to Green Card holders. This should be addressed and corrected expeditiously.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.: The presidents policy entirely misses the mark.

Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo.: While Ive supported heightened vetting procedures for those wanting to travel to our country, I have never, nor will I ever support a blanket travel ban for people solely based on ethnic or religious grounds.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine: The worldwide refugee ban set forth in the executive order is overly broad and implementing it will be immediately problematic.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla.: I object to the suspension of visas from the seven named countries because we could have accomplished our objective of keeping our homeland safe by immediate implementation of more thorough screening procedures.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.: Our first role as the federal government is to protect our national security and I believe we need to work in Congress to reform and strengthen our visa vetting process. However, I oppose President Trumps rushed and overly broad Executive Order.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.: While I am supportive of strengthening our screening processes and securing our borders, a blanket travel ban goes too far. I also believe that lawful residents of the United States should be permitted to enter the country. I urge the Administration to take the appropriate steps to fix this overly broad executive order.

Rep. Will Hurd, R-Tex.: The ban is the ultimate display of mistrust and will erode allies willingness to fight with us.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.: Its going to be decided in the courts as to whether or not this has gone too far.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah: I do have some technical questions about President Trumps Executive Order titled Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States. My staff and I will continue to reach out to the White House for clarification on these issues.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Edward R. Royce, R-Calif.: Pausing the intake of refugees from terror hot spots is the right call to keep America safe. I hope cases of individuals with visas traveling as this executive action went into effect including some who served alongside U.S. troops will be resolved quickly.

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah: President Trump has described his recent order as a means [to] temporarily reduce investigative burdens on relevant agencies. In this spirit, I urge the new administration to move quickly to tailor its policy on visa issuance as narrowly as possible so that officials can protect our security needs while reducing unnecessary burdens on the vast majority of visa-seekers that present a promise-not a threat-to our nation.

Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla.: The United States is and has always been a generous nation when it comes to welcoming those who seek refuge and want to contribute. I expect that these executive orders are in fact temporary and that after the Administration strengthens the vetting process, we can continue our tradition of welcoming those who are persecuted in an orderly manner and without any kind of religious test.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.: The good news is its only got to do with a pause. The bad news is that obviously that this process and these conclusions were not vetted. Theres so much confusion out there.

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio: It is not a ban. However, I think it was not properly vetted. So, you have an extreme vetting proposal that didnt get the vetting it should have had. And as the result, in the implementation, weve seen some problems.

Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y.: I support the temporary entry restriction from certain nations until the administration, Congress and the American people know with confidence that any individual being granted admission does not pose a threat to our security. With all that being said, I will be closely monitoring the execution of this EO to make sure that any misapplication is corrected immediately.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla.: We should value freedom & not surrender security. We can protect the homeland while upholding #religiousfreedom & refuge for the persecuted.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill.: I support a comprehensive look at our vetting process, and I believe its something every new administration would be expected to do. However, reports of green card holders and those who assisted us in the war on terror being denied or delayed entry is deeply concerning. Such detention is unacceptable and must be remedied immediately.

Rep. Bruce Poliquin, R-Maine: The congressman will not be voting on these Executive Orders. His policy in Congress has been to increase border security, end sanctuary cities and stop Syrian refugee admissions until national security agencies put in place effective processes to ensure that no suspected or potential terrorists are allowed to cross our borders.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.: It is clear from the confusion at our airports across the nation that President Trumps executive order was not properly vetted. We are particularly concerned by reports that this order went into effect with little to no consultation with the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.

Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C.: The language of the order should not apply to legal permanent residents of the United States, and if it is being enforced in any other way, the administration should step in swiftly to clarify.

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.: America has long needed to tighten the vetting process for those seeking to come here. However, a religious test or ban is against everything our country stands for. We need to remember that some of our best sources of information that keeps our nation and our troops safe comes from our Muslim friends and allies.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah: I think its surprising a lot of people that he is actually doing what he said he was going to do, but there are those of us that actually support that. People that have a green card supposedly already have been vetted, so there needs to be some further clarification.

Rep. Jim Renacci, R-Ohio: While I strongly encourage the Administration to examine more closely whether it is effectual and necessary to subject green card holders from these nations to this temporary order, I fully support our governments renewed commitment to keeping Americans of all faiths safe and free across our homeland.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.: This vetting proposal itself needed more vetting. More scrutiny of those traveling from war-torn countries to the United States is wise. But this broad and confusing order seems to ban legal, permanent residents with green cards, and might turn away Iraqis, for example, who were translators and helped save lives of Americans troops and who could be killed if they stay in Iraq. And while not explicitly a religious test, it comes close to one which is inconsistent with our American character.

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.: We all share a desire to protect the American people, but this executive order has been poorly implemented, especially with respect to green card holders. The administration should immediately make appropriate revisions, and it is my hope that following a thorough review and implementation of security enhancements that many of these programs will be improved and reinstated.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis.: President Trump is right to make sure we are doing everything possible to know exactly who is entering our country.

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Tex.: With the stroke of a pen, he is doing more to shut down terrorist pathways into this country than the last Administration did in eight years.

Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Pa.: I commend President Trump for suspending the refugee program, and in particular for Syria and the six other countries, because they are unquestionably terrorist havens and hotspots.

Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C.: Im grateful that @realDonaldTrump is making the safety & security of the American people his top priority. His actions are very appropriate.

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.: Its very prudent to say, Lets be careful about who comes into our country to make sure that theyre not terrorists.

Rep. Dan Donovan, R-N.Y.: President Trumps decision is in Americas best interest, and I support exploring safe zones in the region to protect innocent life.

Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va.: The primary duty of the federal government is to keep Americans safe. Today, President Trump has begun to fulfill this responsibility by taking a number of critical steps within his authority to strengthen national security and the integrity of our nations immigration system.

Rep. Dave Trott, R-Mich.: Until we can adequately vet these refugees and ensure the safety of all Americans, I support President Trumps executive order to stay refugees from these terror-prone countries.

Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash.: My first and most important job is protecting families in our region and the American people . . . We must be absolutely certain we have systems in place capable of thoroughly vetting anyone applying for refugee status on American soil.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark.: Its simply wrong to call the presidents executive order concerning immigration and refugees a religious test of any kind. I doubt many Arkansans or Americans more broadly object to taking a harder look at foreigners coming into our country from war-torn nations with known terror networks; I think theyre wondering why we dont do that already.

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.: He is doing what he told the American people he would do. I would not support a travel ban on Muslims; I do support increased vetting on people applying to travel from countries with extensive terrorist ties or activity. These seven countries meet that standard. Our top priority should be to keep Americans safe.

Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Ala.: I appreciate President Trumps efforts to address these issues as he works to keep the American people safe. While there have been some issues with the orders implementation, I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to make sure their efforts to protect the American people succeed in a timely and effective manner.

Rep. Scott Taylor, R-Va.: While I do not agree with some of the rhetoric, taking a pause, figuring out if we are properly vetting people, and making changes if necessary to continue our American principles is prudent and needed. The safety and protection of our citizens must remain our number one priority.

Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla.: LONG OVERDUE: A freeze on Syrian refugees and a crackdown on sanctuary cities! Time to protect Americans.

Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla.: This is long overdue. We must ensure our country is safe from radical Islamic jihadists who want to kill Americans.

Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Tex.: I applaud President Trumps actions to vamp up the vetting of refugees attempting to enter our country.

Rep. Brian Babin, R-Tex.: Great news now lets get it into law!

Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio: I support President Trumps temporary, three month, precautionary action directed towards a handful of countries with a history of producing and exporting terrorists. These countries are either torn apart by violence, or under the control of hostile, jihadist governments.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.: It is the federal governments responsibility to protect the American people, and the Trump administration is following through on that responsibility.

Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis.

Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind.: The temporary suspension of the refugee program and admission of individuals from countries where terrorism poses an elevated threat will allow our national security officials to examine the vetting process and strengthen safeguards to prevent terrorists from entering our homeland. I hope the administration provides greater clarity in the coming days on its implementation of the order and its review of vetting procedures.

Rep. Roger Marshall, R-Kan.: President Trump is ensuring that he is doing all he can to protect us from radical Islamic terror, and to secure channels of migration in the future. Though we would like to see a more specific definition worked through Congress, we understand the need for quick action, and we stand by him in this effort.

Rep. Luke Messer, R-Ind.: This is a pause, not a ban, while we work to ensure the U.S. has effective vetting processes in place to protect Americans from terrorist threats. The details will of course matter, but its way past time for us to develop this capability, and President Trump is right to prioritize American safety until we get this done.

Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C.: At a time of grave security threats, President Trump is right to pause the flow of refugees from countries where terrorism is rampant until we can properly vet them and implement additional screening for individuals traveling to and from these countries.

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Tex.: Just as President Obama suspended the refugee program in 2011 for six months, the Trump Administration is working to protect national security by making adjustments in the refugee vetting process. It is critical that we address the threat of individuals who come to our country to create chaos and threaten our freedom.

Rep. Todd Rokita, R-Ind.: This is not a ban on Muslim refugees, as the order specifically targets a select few nations with known terrorist networks and is similar to an executive order signed by President Obama without controversy in 2011. The President and his administration must now focus on the execution of this order, ensuring that it is implemented effectively and fairly.

Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Tex.: It is important that our commander in chief puts the safety of Americans first. Given concerns about the inadequate vetting of refugees and problems with our immigration system, this temporary pause is intended to ensure the safety of our citizens.

Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif.: In light of attempts by jihadist groups to infiltrate fighters into refugee flows to the West, along with Europes tragic experience coping with this problem, the Trump Administrations executive order on refugees is a common-sense security measure to prevent terror attacks on the homeland. While accommodations should be made for green card holders and those whove assisted the U.S. armed forces, this is a useful temporary measure on seven nations of concern until we can verify who is entering the United States.

Rep. Rod Blum, R-Iowa: The bottom line is they cant properly vet people coming from war-torn areas like Syria and Iraq. If we cant vet people properly, then we shouldnt be allowing them into our country. Im supportive of that.

Rep. Joe Barton, R-Tex.: We have heard of brief delays among constituents and are empathetic to any inconveniences while traveling.

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Tex.: President Trump is responsible for defending this country, and I think what weve seen in the last couple days with executive orders that hes passed, thats what hes doing.

Rep. Kay Granger, R-Tex.: I am convinced that resident Trump made this decision because he believes it will make us safer.

Rep. Robert Pittenger, R-N.C.: While we should be responsive to those who are persecuted for their faith or impacted by war, we need a thorough vetting of all refugees, consistent with the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act (H.R. 4038), which I co-sponsored and helped pass with strong bipartisan support in 2015. This bipartisan legislation required the FBI, CIA, and Homeland Security to be engaged in the refugee vetting process to prevent access by infiltrated terrorists.

SENATE

Alabama:Jeff Sessions, Richard Shelby

Alaska:Dan Sullivan,Lisa Murkowski

Arkansas:John Boozman

Georgia:David Perdue,Johnny Isakson

Idaho:Jim Risch,Mike Crapo

Indiana:Todd Young

Iowa: Joni Ernst,Chuck Grassley

Kansas:Pat Roberts,Jerry Moran

Kentucky:Rand Paul

Louisiana:Bill Cassidy,John Neely Kennedy

Mississippi:Roger Wicker,Thad Cochran

Montana:Steve Daines

Nebraska:Deb Fischer

Nevada:Dean Heller

North Carolina:Richard Burr

North Dakota:John Hoeven

Oklahoma:Jim Inhofe

Pennsylvania:Pat Toomey

South Carolina:Tim Scott

South Dakota:Mike Rounds, John Thune

Texas:Ted Cruz,John Cornyn

West Virginia:Shelley Moore Capito

Wisconsin:Ron Johnson

Wyoming:Mike Enzi

HOUSE

Alabama:Martha Roby,Mike Rogers,Robert Aderholt,Mo Brooks,Gary Palmer

Alaska:Don Young

Arizona:Martha McSally,Paul Gosar,Andy Biggs,David Schweikert,Trent Franks

Arkansas:Rick Crawford,French Hill,Steve Womack,Bruce Westerman

California:Doug LaMalfa,Tom McClintock,Paul Cook,Jeff Denham,David Valadao,Kevin McCarthy,Steve Knight,Ken Calvert,Mimi Walters,Dana Rohrabacher,Darrell Issa,Duncan Hunter

Colorado:Scott Tipton,Ken Buck,Doug Lamborn

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Tax Collecting Republicans Wrestle Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory - Forbes

Republican members of Congress are reportedly voicing concerns in private about repealing ObamaCare and replacing it with a law-- to be known as 'TrumpCare'-- that they will own "lock, stock and barrel."

Republican leaders have reportedly met privately Thursday in a closed-off downtown Philadelphia hotel to discuss how to avoid turning the health insurance market on its head and not creating a political disaster,The Washington Post reported.

Thats going to be called TrumpCare, Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., said, according to a recording of the private meeting obtained by the paper. Republicans will own that lock, stock and barrel, and well be judged in the election less than two years away.

GOP congressional leaders, in the weeks following Trumps victory have essentially hit pause, fearing that a hasty repeal without a comprehensive replacement plan would leave a projected 20 million Americans uninsured.

Trump has said that he plans on providing insurance for everybody.

VIDEO: REPUBLICANS CONSIDER OBAMACARE REPLACEMENT

Trump and other Republicans favor simultaneously repealing and replacing ObamaCare, but some colleagues are reportedly stressing out about how to revamp the $3 trillion industry.

Besides the repeal being a source of concern, The New York Times reported that some Republicans have voiced concern about going after Planned Parenthood.

Health insurance is going to be tough enough for us to deal with, without allowing millions of people on social media to come to Planned Parenthoods defense, Rep. John Faso, R-N.Y., said.

Trump and leading Republicans have portrayed the markets as on the verge of collapse, and have cast their own effort to repeal and replace the Obama health overhaul as a rescue mission. Most independent experts say the situation is not as dire, although fixes are needed to strengthen the markets.

Some 11.5 million people had signed up nationwide through Dec. 24, or about 290,000 more than at the same time during the 2016 enrollment season. Its not clear, however, whether the Obamas administrations goal of 13.8 million enrolled for 2017 will be met.

More than 20 million people have gained coverage since the health care law passed in 2010, bringing the nations uninsured rate to a historic low of around 9 percent. In addition to subsidized private insurance, the law offers states an option to expand Medicaid for low-income people.

Former President Obama said earlier this month that hes OK with Republicans making changes to his Affordable Care Act and even changing its name from ObamaCare to TrumpCare.

Im fine with that, the president told ABCs This Week.

Revamping the health care system will be further complicated by congressional Democrats vowing to stop Republicans at essentially every step.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has said if Republicans void Obama's bill, Democrats won't help them pass alternative legislation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Edmund DeMarche is a news editor for FoxNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @EDeMarche.

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Republicans reportedly meet in private to discuss concerns about 'TrumpCare' - Fox News

PHILADELPHIA Republicans left their highly anticipated retreat in Philadelphia with cautious optimism about their immediate future.

Optimistic because of their political fortunes control of two branches of government but cautious because of the complexity of their ambitious agenda further complicated by an unpredictable president.

House and Senate Republicans began their two-day session not how they anticipated: sidetracked by what some admitted to be "distractions."

Hoping to focus on their six-year long mission to undo the last president's signature achievement, the Affordable Care Act, they were forced to respond to a new president invoking his own priorities without notifying his Congressional partners and Trump's obsessions over his legitimacy and popularity.

The opening news conference left members of the House and Senate leadership having to answer if they believed up to five million people voted illegally and if the U.S. should bring back interrogation tactics that both the U.S. and the international community have deemed torture.

But by day two, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell took control of the message.

"We are on the same page," Ryan told reporters Thursday morning. Ryan and McConnell downplayed any disagreements between the administration and Congress and insisted that the party is united.

But even the appearance of unity is difficult when expectations are so high. An audio tape obtained by the Washington Post confirmed what members alluded to when talking to reporters at their Philadelphia policy meeting: Republicans are far from a consensus on how to move forward on fulfilling campaign promises, especially on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.

"You'll see different emphasis, but with respect to the core agenda we've laid out for our members ... we've done this in conjunction with the administration," Ryan said.

Republicans felt energized after the president's speech to them even though much of it broke with traditional Republican orthodoxy on issues of trade, infrastructure and even spending billions on a border wall.

"It's encouraging. This president is weighing in in a big way. So we're eager to continue to work with him," said Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, who leads the House Ways and Means Committee, which will do much of the work on health care and tax reform.

But caution is the tone of most conversations. Heard over and over again from Republicans was that the devil is in the details on both health care and taxes, the two first issues set to come down the pipe and could be politically perilous.

And beyond Trump's 25-minute long pep rally where he mostly imposed his priorities to members, they've received little guidance from the administration on specifics and how to navigate any political ramifications that could incur from changing someone's health care plan or taking away a person's tax break.

"At some point I'm hoping to hear from the administration what they'd like to see in a health care replacement package and how they'd like to see it done," said Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Penn.

Republicans are having to deal with questions of how to address Medicaid, a program Republicans would like to reduce but which has been expanded to include more low-income people as a result of the ACA.

They'll also have to figure out how to ensure that the millions of people who gained health insurance, many through the help of government subsidies, won't lose insurance. And they have to figure out how to pay for any plan they come up with.

A fear is that Congress will do weeks of work, holding hearings, writing legislation, consulting with relevant industry groups and the White House will undercut their work with an unexpected plan.

Lawmakers had no indication that any of Trump's executive actions would come down in his first week and even the head of the House Energy and Commerce Committee which is the other main health care legislation writing committee Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon didn't know if the administration would propose their own plan on health care or let Congress take the lead.

On tax reform, Ryan admitted that it's complicated, but insisted that the party's unified on the underlying principles.

"We are in a very good place on tax reform," he said. "It can get complicated when you get in the details of tax reform but once we go through how tax reform works and what it's going to take to get the kind of competitive tax system and competitive tax rates I think most people agree this is the right approach."

House leaders, including Brady and Ryan, were pleased that Trump's White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer indicated Thursday that they are considering a border adjustment tax, essentially a tax on imports coming into the U.S., to pay for a border wall with Mexico. It's a proposal that House leaders, including Ryan and Brady, are supportive of.

Brady was pleased with Spicer's announcement, calling it "extremely pro-growth."

Spicer later walked back his comments on the tax.

"It's a work in progress," Dent said of the relationship between Congress and the president.

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Republican Party Retreat Sidetracked by Trump 'Distractions' - NBCNews.com