The Fox News Rundown From Washington: A Presidential Ultimatum Puts Pressure on Senate Republicans
Mar 21, 2026
Dr. Majid Sadeghpour, political director focused on Iranian opposition and regime dynamics. Chad Pergram, chief congressional correspondent covering Capitol Hill strategy and budget fights. They discuss presidential pressure on Senate Republicans, the SAVE America Act’s hurdles, DHS funding standoff, the politics of supplemental Iran war costs, and prospects for Iranian internal uprising and regime change.
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Save America Act Used As A Political Messaging Tool
- The Save America Act is politically useful even if it can't pass because it forces Democrats on record and placates the GOP base.
- Chad Pergram explains Senate leaders keep debate to burn floor time, show effort to the base, and pressure Democrats ahead of midterms.
DHS Nomination Pause Shapes Senate Timing
- Senate will pause Save America Act to confirm a DHS nominee, then return to keep the bill alive until DHS funding is resolved.
- Pergram predicts Mark Wayne Mullin's confirmation will be used to show progress while bargaining on DHS appropriations continues.
DHS Funding Fight Hinges On Warrants And IDs
- DHS funding talks remain stalled over two sticking points: masks and converting civil immigration actions into criminal warrants.
- Pergram says these warrant and documentation issues are hard gaps to bridge before a shutdown ends.