Senate Republicans removed funding for security upgrades to President Trump’s White House ballroom from their immigration package after the provision threatened the entire legislative effort, according to revised text released Wednesday
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The Senate parliamentarian had determined the ballroom language violated specific budgetary requirements, which would have allowed Democrats to filibuster the bill and block $70 billion in ICE and border patrol funding, and Senate GOP leaders acknowledged the provision was procedurally problematic and politically risky, reported CNN.
Some Republican senators also expressed concern that allocating funds for the ballroom while Americans faced cost-of-living pressures ahead of midterm elections would project an out-of-touch image.
The original Senate GOP text included nearly $1 billion for “security adjustments and upgrades” to the White House ballroom and related security measures following the spring assassination attempt against Trump.
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Administration officials attempted to clarify that approximately $200 million would fund the East Wing project, with remaining funds directed toward other security initiatives.
The revised bill now proceeds without the controversial ballroom security provision.
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