Senate Parliamentarian Blocks Funding for Trump's White House Ballroom
A ruling by the Senate parliamentarian has removed security funding for a planned White House ballroom from a major spending package, challenging Republican efforts to secure $1 billion for the project
U.S. Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled on Saturday to remove security funding for President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom from a major spending package. According to Democratic lawmakers, the decision effectively blocks Republican attempts to utilize taxpayer funds for the controversial construction project, which had been included in the broader legislative effort.[1][2][3]
Republican officials had been seeking to allocate $1 billion in public funds for the project. These funds were specifically designated for Secret Service security upgrades tied to the ballroom plans. The administration has maintained that the money is necessary to ensure safety and security requirements are met for the new facility, but the parliamentarian's ruling prevents those funds from being included in the current spending bill.[1][3]
The ruling deals a significant blow to the administration’s efforts to secure federal financing for the ballroom. By stripping the provision from the massive spending package, the parliamentarian has placed the project's funding in jeopardy. This move creates a major hurdle for the White House as it seeks to move forward with the contentious development using public money.[1][2][3]
