White House Urges Senate Republicans in Recent Letter

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 18, 2026 6:57 AM ET

White House Urges Senate Republicans in Recent Letter

The White House sent a March 17, 2026 letter to Senators Susan Collins and Katie Britt. The letter updates them on negotiations with Democratic congressional leaders. It responds to a request from the two senators.

Timeline of key developments

After February 13, the Department of Homeland Security experienced a lapse in funding.
Prior to that lapse, both parties and the Trump Administration negotiated a bipartisan appropriations package.
The package included full-year DHS funding and passed the House on a bipartisan basis.
Before Senate consideration, congressional Democrats withdrew support for the negotiated bill.
Congress enacted a ten-day clean extension of DHS funding to avoid an immediate cutoff.
On February 4, five days after the extension passed, Democrats released a list of demands.
On February 7, they provided legislative text reflecting those demands.
The Administration sent a counter-proposal document on February 9, followed by legislative text on February 11.
On February 12, Border Czar Tom Homan ended the surge operation in Minnesota and announced enforcement changes.
On February 16, three days into the shutdown, Democrats returned to an offer similar to their original proposal.
After further exchanges, Democrats issued another counteroffer on March 16, eighteen days after the Administration’s transmission.
On March 12, the Administration said its position was mischaracterized on the Senate floor.

Administration actions and policy changes

White House Border Czar Tom Homan ended the Minnesota surge operation on February 12. He also implemented several enforcement adjustments.

Those changes included ending ICE roving patrols. They also introduced updated protocols for dealing with unlawful agitators.

The administration began using body-worn cameras for certain operations. It also committed to providing advanced notice to, and cooperating with, local law enforcement.

Negotiation exchanges

The White House describes the Democrats’ demands as threatening enforcement and public safety. The letter asserts the written demands would hinder protections for American citizens.

Officials contend the proposals would expose law enforcement and families to greater threats. The administration said the demands would prioritize illegal aliens over American families.

The Administration responded with counter-proposals on February 9 and February 11. It says its offers sought compromise and resolution.