Senate GOP Strips Up to $1B for Trump Ballroom Security from Immigration Enforcement Bill Senate Republicans removed up to $1 billion in security funding for a proposed White House ballroom and the Secret Service from a revised immigration enforcement bill. This decision was reportedly due to concerns it could derail the bill politically and procedurally, and potentially alienate voters ahead of midterm elections. The funding was also subject to a parliamentarian’s ruling that it did not comply with reconciliation rules.

• 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.