House Republicans in favor of increasing the deduction cap on state and local taxes (SALT) said they “still have some work to do” after the group huddled with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for a key meeting on the contentious issue Wednesday afternoon.

The gathering — which marked the first major conversation about SALT relief since the budget reconciliation process entered its final stage in the House — comes as GOP leadership is eyeing a meeting next week to advance the Ways and Means Committee’s portion of the bill, a plan that could be delayed amid the hang-ups over SALT.

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), one of the most prominent members pushing for SALT relief, said the group discussed “specific numbers” at the gathering, but noted that he “wouldn't consider anything an offer.” A source told The Hill that “no official numbers” or “offers” were presented, but the group discussed “the policy needs and the political needs” for a higher SALT deduction cap.

“I think we need some more dialogue,” LaLota said.

While no number was agreed to, Republicans gave a look into what would be unacceptable for them. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) said increasing the SALT deduction cap to $25,000 “is not gonna cut it.”

Leaving the meeting, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said they had “not yet” settled on a new number for the deduction cap, but that he “heard some very valuable input from members of the SALT states and completely understand their priorities.”

“We’re trying to work that in and find consensus on the right number, which we........

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