Senate Rules Block $1B Funding for Trump's Ballroom
PUBLISHED May 16, 2026, 2:29 AM ET
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WASHINGTON — The Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, on Saturday removed a proposed $1 billion Secret Service allocation intended to fund security tied to President Donald Trump's planned White House ballroom from a larger immigration enforcement reconciliation package. Senate Democrats described the ruling as saying the East Wing renovation and ballroom project were too broad to fit the procedural rules for reconciliation. Republicans said they are revising the legislation this week after the ruling and may attempt to salvage narrower security provisions; on Wednesday House Speaker Mike Johnson pressed for increased Secret Service funding but declined to pre-judge the Senate's $72 billion immigration package, saying the House will review whatever final bill the Senate sends and that further committee debate and amendment votes remain.
By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Republicans propose including approximately $1 billion for Secret Service security and White House renovations in an immigration spending package.
- Saturday: Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough rules the ballroom-related funding too broad for reconciliation.
- Saturday night: Senate Republicans announce plans to revise the legislation based on the parliamentarian's guidance.
- Wednesday: House Speaker Mike Johnson urges increased Secret Service funding but refuses to pre-judge the Senate bill.
- Senate to complete parliamentarian review, committee debates and amendment votes before sending a final measure to the House.
News Intelligence
- This ruling impacts how your tax dollars are used. The $1 billion was proposed for White House renovations and Secret Service security. Now, it's unclear where that money might go. Keep an eye on how this unfolds.
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Opposition senators and fiscal conservatives gained political leverage by blocking a $1 billion taxpayer allocation for the White House ballroom and related security projects.
President Trump and White House planners suffered a setback when the Senate parliamentarian removed proposed federal funding for the ballroom and associated security upgrades.
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Senate Rules Block $1B Funding for Trump's Ballroom
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