Congressional Democrats argue in filing that White House ballroom construction shouldn’t proceed without Congress’ consent Nearly 150 Democratic lawmakers have filed a legal brief asserting that construction on the White House East Wing cannot proceed without explicit consent and funding from Congress. The administration argues that existing statutes for routine maintenance justify the privately funded demolition and construction, while opponents, including ethics groups and preservationists, deem it an illegal and unconstitutional vanity project with potential conflicts of interest.

• Approximately 150 Democratic lawmakers filed a legal brief arguing that White House East Wing construction needs Congressional consent.
• The lawmakers, led by Reps. Robert Garcia, Jared Huffman, and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, state the President cannot demolish or build without Congressional authorization and funding.
• The administration cites a statute for routine maintenance as justification for the privately funded $400 million project.
• A federal judge initially ruled construction could not proceed until Congress approved it, but an appellate panel has temporarily allowed it to continue.
• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche contends the reconstruction is a matter of national security.
• Ethics groups argue that accepting donations for the ballroom from entities with business before the government presents a conflict of interest.
• Architects and preservationists argue the President lacks the authority to destroy historic property for private funding of a ballroom project.