Democrats weaponize $1B ballroom security in GOP budget showdown

Democrats are painting the GOP’s $72B border-security bill as a vehicle to fund $1 billion in taxpayer-backed security upgrades for Trump’s East Wing Modernization (the ballroom), and plan Byrd rule challenges to strike non-budget provisions and force votes on cost-related amendments. Republicans like Rick Scott, Josh Hawley, and Rand Paul are skeptical about using public funds, while Sens. Collins and Sullivan could be pivotal as the debate tests whether lawmakers will go on record on the ballroom funding. Polling shows public opposition to tearing down the East Wing, complicating the GOP’s position and putting the spotlight on cost hikes and healthcare funding tied to the package.