Senate Republicans were weighing on Wednesday whether to remove all or part of $1 billion for White House security funding from their $70 billion party-line immigration enforcement bill over concerns about President Donald Trump’s yet-to-be-built East Wing ballroom.The consideration comes amid GOP heartburn over the optics of providing taxpayer money for a project Trump has long promised would be funded through private donors. Over the weekend, the Senate parliamentarian ruled that the provision would need to be rewritten to pass with only a simple majority under the so-called reconciliation process. Republicans could remove some or all of the money that was earmarked for the Secret Service, according to Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA).
“My understanding is the votes were not there,” Kennedy said. “My understanding is that the security money has come out.”
Roughly $220 million of the $1 billion earmarked for funding is slated for security around and near the under-construction ballroom. The rest of the money would be used for upgrades to the broader White House complex, including $180 million for a “long overdue” visitor screening facility; $350 million to be split evenly between training and enhanced security for protectees; $150 million for emerging drone and biological threats; and $100 million for increased security at high-profile events.
