politics
Senate GOP Strips Up to $1B for Trump Ballroom Security from Immigration Enforcement Bill
GOP leaders reportedly privately concluded that the funding proposal risked derailing the broader immigration bill, both politically and procedurally.
TL;DR
- Senate Republicans removed up to $1 billion in security funding for a White House ballroom and the Secret Service from an immigration enforcement bill.
- GOP leaders believed the funding proposal risked derailing the broader immigration bill politically and procedurally.
- Some Republicans worried the funding would make the party appear out of touch with voters struggling with high costs.
- President Trump had personally pushed for the funding, arguing it was necessary due to an alleged assassination attempt.
- Administration officials stated only $200 million would have gone to the ballroom, with the rest for Secret Service upgrades.
- The provision was removed because it did not comply with the Byrd Rule, which bars extraneous provisions in reconciliation bills.
- Democrats would have challenged the provision, forcing Republicans to meet a higher vote threshold to pass the bill.