The parliamentarian’s decision jeopardized efforts by Republicans to secure $1 billion from the budget for security upgrades to the hall and related facilities, Reuters writes.
Trump previously said that the construction of the hall will be financed with $400 million in private donations, while Republicans have asked for additional funds from the budget. Democrats criticized the project as an expensive and unnecessary distraction at a time when citizens are suffering from rising living costs.
MacDonough ruled that the funding provision falls under Senate rules that require 60 votes to pass a majority of bills. Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
Senator Jeff Merkley, the leading Democrat on the Budget Committee, said his party would challenge any change in the law that would try to circumvent the lawmaker’s decision.
If Republicans fail, funding related to the ballroom will not be included in the $72 billion package, which is primarily aimed at strengthening immigration policy. Democrats are opposed to funding Trump’s immigration crackdown without the reforms they are seeking, following incidents in Minnesota in January in which federal agents killed American citizens.
The administration claims that the new hall will modernize the infrastructure of the White House, improve security and facilitate the organization of large events.
Trump has announced that the facility will be completed by September 2028, near the end of his second term.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
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