A Republican bill to use federal funds for Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom project was dealt a blow in the U.S. Senate, as budget rules officials determined the proposal for spending failed to follow the rules.
Senate Democrats argued that the proposed funding was in violation of rules governing “Byrd Rule” Senate budget process, designed to govern what is allowed in legislation passed by a simple majority vote, through the Senate Parliamentarian’s interpretation. Senate Democrats contended that Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough interpreted the proposed funding as violating the rules of the Senate budget process, which govern what can be included in legislation passed by a simple majority vote.
The news of the proposal cited almost $1 billion in security improvements associated with a planned new East Wing ballroom project to be connected to the White House. Some $220 million of that is expected to be dedicated to security arrangements for the newly constructed building, with the rest going to more general security upgrades, officials said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted Republicans for trying to pay for Trump’s “gold plated ballroom” project through taxpayers in a response to the ruling.
Republicans however, made it clear that they were not giving in. A majority Leader John Thune spokesman said the bill would be reshaped and re-introduced for Senate action.
Green Party supporters and Democratic members of Parliament voiced their opposition to the idea, saying the federal money should not be spent on a politically driven “luxury project.
As Congress enters into broader budget and immigration-related negotiations, the disagreement is escalating a long feud between the top lawmakers in both chambers to raise the pressure on Washington’s legislators before crucial votes in the Senate.