Senate Parliamentarian Blocks $1 Billion Funding for White House Security Upgrades

The Senate parliamentarian has ruled that a $1 billion proposal for White House security enhancements, including a new ballroom, cannot be included in a Republican budget bill due to procedural constraints. The decision impedes GOP efforts to attach the funding to a $72 billion immigration enforcement package.

Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough determined that the scope of the proposed security upgrades is too broad for inclusion in the streamlined budget bill, which requires a simple majority for passage. This ruling means the bill would now need a 60-vote threshold to advance.

Republicans had sought the funding following a recent assassination attempt on President Trump, arguing that the enhancements are essential for presidential protection. The proposal included $220 million for fortifying the White House complex, $180 million for a new visitor screening facility, and $175 million for agent training.

Democrats have criticized the funding as excessive, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stating, "Republicans tried to make taxpayers foot the bill for Trump’s billion-dollar ballroom." Some Republicans, including Senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul, have also expressed reservations, suggesting that the project should be privately funded as initially promised by President Trump.

The White House has indicated that the requested taxpayer funds would be specifically earmarked for security adjustments and upgrades associated with the overall ballroom project. Following the parliamentarian's ruling, Senate Republicans are considering revising the bill's language to address the procedural issues and continue pursuing the funding.