G.O.P. Proposes $1 Billion in Immigration Bill for Trump’s Ballroom Project
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Senate Republicans have added $1 billion for White House East Wing security enhancements to an immigration enforcement funding bill, sparking potential political conflict over the project's funding.
- The $70 billion immigration package aims to increase spending on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border patrol, using a party-line vote to bypass a filibuster.
- The $1 billion allocation is intended for security upgrades related to the East Wing renovation, which includes contested plans for a new ballroom that President Trump claims will be privately funded.
- The bill specifies that the funds must be used solely for security measures, such as perimeter fence upgrades and Secret Service enhancements, and prohibits spending on non-security elements.
- The White House supports the funding, calling it a "long overdue" project, especially in light of recent security concerns following an attempted assault at a Washington journalism gala attended by President Trump.
