Republicans Question $1 Billion White House Security Request as Senate Eyes Vote Next Week
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · May 12
Republicans Question $1 Billion White House Security Request as Senate Eyes Vote Next Week
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · May 12
$1 billion in White House security funding is drawing fresh Republican resistance, with senators and House members saying they still lack details on how the money would be used.
Sean Curran, the Secret Service director, is expected to brief Senate Republicans Tuesday on a request the administration says would fund critical security upgrades, including the East Wing modernization project.
Rand Paul said he opposes keeping the provision in the bill, while Thom Tillis, Susan Collins and other pivotal Republicans said they want more clarity before backing it.
The provision also faces procedural and political hurdles: Senate Democrats are preparing a reconciliation challenge with the parliamentarian, and some House GOP leaders privately doubt it has the votes.
John Thune can lose only 3 Senate Republicans if the measure reaches the floor, as party leaders race to deliver Trump’s broader immigration funding bill by June 1.
How is a new ballroom being justified as an essential component of White House national security?