Senate Republicans have removed $1 billion in Secret Service security funding for the White House and President Donald Trump’s proposed East Wing ballroom from their immigration enforcement bill, according to legislative text released on Wednesday. This decision was made due to Republican concerns about the perception of taxpayers covering the $220 million cost for ballroom security, as well as a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian that the funding did not comply with reconciliation rules. The updated text also eliminated additional funding for the Justice Department.
The immigration measure, known as the SECURE America Act, seeks to fund federal immigration agencies and the Department of Homeland Security through 2029, following earlier Democratic opposition to funding these agencies in government legislation due to concerns over Trump’s deportation policies. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley stated that the bill prevents DHS funding from being influenced by what he described as the Democrats' agenda. Grassley criticized Democrats for allegedly undermining the appropriations process and emphasized that Republicans aim to ensure public safety and security. The bill may advance to final passage as early as Thursday, pending further amendments and changes requested by GOP senators.