Senate Republicans are advancing a $1 billion security funding request for President Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom as part of a larger immigration enforcement bill. The measure, which includes about $70 billion for federal agencies leading Trump's mass deportation campaign, is set to bypass Democratic opposition through the reconciliation process.
Key Takeaways
Senate Republicans are advancing a $1 billion security funding request for President Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom as part of a larger immigration enforcement bill. The measure includes about $70 billion for federal agencies leading Trump's mass deportation campaign and is set to bypass Democratic opposition through the reconciliation process.
- Senate Republicans advance $1B security funding for White House ballroom
- Funding includes $220M for bulletproof glass, drone detection technologies, and other security enhancements
- Democrats vow to oppose the bill with every tool available
- President Trump's plan to turn Guantanamo Bay into a massive detention center has largely failed
The funding would go toward securing the 'East Wing modernization project,' including $220 million for bulletproof glass, drone detection technologies, and other security enhancements. Additional funds would cover a new visitor screening facility ($180 million) and agent training ($175 million). The request follows an assassination attempt on Trump at the White House Correspondents Association dinner last month.
Republican senators have expressed support for increased security but demand more details on how the money will be spent. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins (R-Maine) and others questioned why these improvements weren't included in Trump's earlier budget proposal. Some GOP members, like Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), prefer private funding for the ballroom itself.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has vowed to oppose the bill 'with every tool we have,' including challenging its compliance with reconciliation rules and proposing amendments to redirect funds. Democrats argue that the money would enable Trump's remodeling of the executive mansion, which also faces a federal court challenge. The immigration spending bill comes after Congress reopened the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following a 75-day funding impasse.
Meanwhile, President Trump's plan to turn Guantanamo Bay into a massive detention center for deported migrants has largely failed. According to CBS News, only six detainees were found at the base over a year after its announcement, despite projections of holding 30,000 and costing $73 million. The Department of Defense has assigned 522 personnel to assist with immigration detention there.
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