Republican House members must "set aside … day-to-day conflicts and disagreements" and "come together to deliver for the American people," Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., told Newsmax on Monday, as criticism of Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., reportedly intensifies within GOP ranks.
Appearing on "Wake Up America," Lee acknowledged recent frustrations inside the Republican conference, as reports — including from Politico — suggest some lawmakers are growing uneasy with Johnson's leadership style and last-minute dealmaking needed to manage a razor-thin majority.
"It has been a tough few weeks in the House of Representatives," Lee said, while calling for unity around shared conservative priorities.
Her comments come as Republicans face mounting pressure to deliver on key legislative goals, including border security, funding measures, and surveillance authorities.
Lee emphasized that despite internal disagreements, GOP lawmakers overwhelmingly agree on core issues.
"There is so much more that we agree about than that we disagree about," she said, urging colleagues to refocus on advancing policies important to voters.
Lee pointed to several pressing priorities Congress has been working through, including funding for Homeland Security, passage of a long-awaited farm bill, and ensuring the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
She noted that President Donald Trump had made clear the importance of maintaining FISA authorities to protect national security.
"The things that we were doing were really key priorities," Lee said. "We all need to focus on trying to come together to deliver for the American people."
The Florida congresswoman's remarks reflect a broader effort among Republicans to present a united front ahead of critical legislative deadlines and upcoming elections, even as internal divisions have occasionally surfaced.
Lee also weighed in on the escalating redistricting battles nationwide, pushing back on Democrat criticism of GOP-led efforts in states such as Florida.
She dismissed comments from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., as "absolutely absurd," arguing that Florida's redistricting process is grounded in population data and legal standards, not partisan retaliation.
She further pointed to a recent Supreme Court ruling addressing racial gerrymandering claims as a development that could provide clearer guidance for states navigating the Voting Rights Act.
"This will provide a lot of clarity for states," Lee said, suggesting more states may revisit their maps in light of the decision.
Lee, who is running in Florida's 15th Congressional District with Trump's endorsement, said that while shifting district lines can affect campaigns, voter priorities remain consistent.
"They want a strong economy. They want safe communities," she said, adding that agriculture and economic growth remain central concerns for her constituents.
As Republicans navigate both internal tensions and external political battles, Lee made clear that unity, not division, will be key to advancing conservative policies and maintaining voter trust.
"We never want to do that again if we can help it," she said, referencing past leadership fights that divided the party.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight’s special series and President Trump’s comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.