Senate Parliamentarian Blocks $1 Billion White House Security Funding in GOP Bill

The Senate parliamentarian has determined that a $1 billion proposal for security enhancements at the White House, encompassing President Donald Trump's planned East Wing ballroom, cannot be included in the current Republican spending bill. This decision, announced on Saturday, presents a significant obstacle to GOP efforts to pass the funding through a fast-track process that avoids filibusters and requires only a simple majority.

The proposed funding was intended to bolster White House security measures, such as a new visitor screening center and enhanced agent training, following a recent assassination attempt on President Trump. While Republicans argue that private donations would cover the construction of the ballroom, with federal dollars focusing solely on security enhancements, Democrats have criticized the proposal as an extravagant misuse of public funds.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed the parliamentarian's ruling, stating, "Republicans tried to make taxpayers foot the bill for Trump's billion-dollar ballroom. Senate Democrats fought back — and blew up their first attempt." He added that Democrats "will be ready to stop them again" if Republicans attempt to revise the bill.

Despite this setback, the broader $72 billion immigration funding package, supporting ICE and Border Patrol operations through 2029, remains largely intact. Republicans plan to revise the bill to comply with the parliamentarian's ruling and continue their efforts to secure the proposed funding.