Fewer than 100 House Republicans expected to attend GOP retreat

Zoom in: The issues conference will be hosted at the Greenbriar Resort in West Virginia after being held at locations in Florida for several years.

• Members who are skipping cited grievances ranging from the location to a lack of advance information on logistics.
• Fox Business host Larry Kudlow, who was slated to speak at the event, also cancelled at the 11th hour — dealing a blow to the agenda.

The intrigue: One GOP member argued that moving their conference discussions from the Capitol to a resort with alcohol could exacerbate infighting between members.

• "I'd rather sit down with Hannibal Lecter and eat my own liver," the source said.

The other side: While the event may have fewer members than in previous years, members attending are hopeful there will be substantive policy discussions and face-time with leadership.

Speakers include:

• Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America president Marjorie Dannenfelser
• March for Life president Jeanne Mancini
• Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog
• Former Defense Secretary Chris Miller
• Former Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas)
• Former Energy and Commerce Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.)
• Conservative author Os Guinness.