Democrats in the House have returned to Washington with a critical agenda: to address Joe Biden’s potential candidacy as the congressional recess concludes. Tensions have been rising since June’s debate as an increasing number of lawmakers have expressed their doubts about Biden’s abilities in the upcoming race.

The president, meanwhile, has been making efforts to dismiss any speculation of him bowing out. Just before a crucial Tuesday meeting dubbed a “come-to-Jesus” session, a smaller contingent of Democrats from key swing districts held an emotionally charged meeting, complete with tears.

At the full caucus meeting of the Democrats, opinions were divided. One lawmaker who attended the emotionally charged meeting described it to Axios as “intense.” Another participant captured the prevailing sentiment, saying it was “pretty much unanimous” that Biden “has got to step down,” noting, “There were actual tears from people, and not for Biden.”

While some lawmakers defended Biden, others questioned his ability to compete against former President Donald Trump according to attendees. A House Democrat present at both meetings remarked, “Most of our caucus is still with him … meaning he’ll stay in. Which sucks for our country.”

Following the meeting on Tuesday, one lawmaker who had previously said to Axios that the revolt was “over” reiterated their stance, stating the meeting only solidified that perception. “There were no surprises there,” the lawmaker commented.

On Monday Biden released a lengthy letter addressing his future. His two-page letter exposed a window into his thinking as he pushes back against other party leaders who fear he is jeopardizing not only their chances of keeping the White House, but preserving a Senate majority and winning back the U.S. House as well.

The embattled president has rebuffed calls to step aside, saying it is time for Democrats to “come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump.”

Biden has tried to confirm he will not be dropping out of the race and cited strong electoral wins in state Democratic primaries as evidence that the party’s grassroots stands behind him as the nominee. Biden also followed up the letter with a Monday morning appearance on MSNBC where he warned Democrats against trying to force his hand.

“The bottom line here is that we’re not going anywhere — I am not going anywhere,” he said. “I had a bad night,” he said of his debate. “But the fact of the matter is — if there was something that was wrong that night, it’s not like it’s one night and it goes away. That’s why I’ve been out, I’ve been testing myself.”

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“Run against me. Announce for president. Challenge me at the convention,” Biden added. “The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And it’s time for it to end. We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump. We have 42 days to the Democratic Convention and 119 days to the general election. Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us.”

On Sunday the New York Times reported that ranking House Democrats, convened by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), met privately to air grievances about Biden’s refusal to step aside.

(VOTE NOW: Is Biden Mentally Unfit To Serve As President?)