The White House delivered a sharp rebuke to Speaker Mike Johnson, urging the House to immediately pass a bipartisan DHS funding bill stalled for nearly a month. The memo directly challenged Johnson's delay tactics, threatening consequences as the department's shutdown entered its 10th week. Credit...Salwan Georges for The New York Times

Johnson had suggested modifications to the Senate-approved measure, which excludes immigration enforcement funding due to Democratic opposition. The White House dismissed these delays, emphasizing the need for immediate passage to prevent DHS personnel from going unpaid in May. The administration warned of severe travel disruptions and unpaid Secret Service agents if the stalemate continued.

Republican infighting paralyzed the House, preventing votes on the budget blueprint needed to advance a separate $70 billion immigration enforcement bill through reconciliation. Senator John Thune confirmed the administration's clear expectations, while Johnson faced mounting pressure from colleagues to end the shutdown before a 12-day recess. The dispute shifted blame to GOP dysfunction rather than Democratic obstruction.

With air travel and national security potentially at risk, the White House memo served as both ultimatum and lifeline. The stalemate now centers on House Republican unity, as Mike Johnson risks being sidelined by his own caucus's resistance to compromise on immigration policy.