A Senate ruling has jeopardised Republican plans to fund security-related spending for President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom, Democrats say.
A US Senate official has removed security funding linked to President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom from a major spending bill, according to Democratic lawmakers.
The Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, ruled the provision must meet a 60-vote threshold, dealing a setback to Republican efforts to include taxpayer funding for the project.
Republicans had sought about $1bn for Secret Service security upgrades tied to the ballroom, while Trump has said construction will be funded through private donations.
Democrats criticised the plan as costly and unnecessary, arguing it ignores rising living costs facing Americans.
Senator Jeff Merkley said Democrats would challenge any attempt to revive the provision, while Republicans may revise the bill to comply with Senate rules.
The broader $72bn package focuses largely on immigration enforcement and is expected to face a party-line vote in the Senate.
NEWS NOW:
