Senate Republicans released a bill late on Monday, May 4th proposing adding a billion dollars for “security adjustments and upgrades” related to trump's ballroom project. This billion dollars would be added to the 70+ billion dollar bill for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. The What's another billion, right?
This is the gaudy ballroom that was to be built in place of the East Wing of the White House that trump demolished without any authority to do so. This is the ballroom that trump said over and over would be paid for by donations and wouldn't cost the government a thing. "It's not going to cost taxpayers a dime." This is the ballroom being built after DOGE decimated agency after agency, fired thousands, made cuts to programs that benefit the working class & poor because we needed to save money.
The recent alleged assassination attempt at a White House Correspondent's dinner was the justification for the additional billion dollars for the ballroom. The Correspondence dinner invites far more than the ballroom could hold and the president is an invited guest. He is NOT the host. Trump plays golf and attends tournaments. He attends fights in arenas. He gives public speeches to anyone who will listen. Are those going to be held in the ballroom as well? Or will we need to pay a billion dollars to build new structures everywhere he goes?
Senate Republicans plan to rush this through Congress this month with a vote possibly as soon as next week. Because the funding is part of a reconciliation package, it could pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing a filibuster. This bill is proposed by The Judiciary Committee and is expected to move forward and reach the Senate floor soon.
Interesting Quotes
“While Americans are struggling to make ends meet as a result of President Trump’s failed policies, Republicans are focused on providing tens of billions of dollars for the President’s vanity ballroom project and cruel mass deportation campaign,” said Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversees the U.S. Secret Service. (AP News)
Commenting on the funding push, Democratic Representative Yassamin Ansari of Arizona wrote on X on Monday: "Add the ballroom to the laundry list of things Trump said someone else would pay for. Ultimately, of course, it's always the American people footing the bill for his outrageous pet projects. A $1BN price tag while he rips away your healthcare. Sickening."
"Republicans want $1B from taxpayers for Trump's ballroom. Trump already collected hundreds of millions of dollars in anonymous donations for it. Those donations were bribes. He was always keeping that money," Melanie D'Arrigo, the executive director of the Campaign for New York Health, wrote on X. "This was always the plan. It was always a scam."
Ron Filipkowski, the editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch.com, wrote: "Republicans are going to make taxpayers pay for Trump's ballroom. All Trump's claims over 16 months that 'donors' were going to pay for it was always a lie and just another con. You will pay for it."
 |
| Funny Comment I saw on BlueSky |
READ MORE
GOP bill would fund $1B in White House security upgrades for Trump’s ballroom - AP. It is unclear exactly how the $1 billion would be used, and the amount far exceeds the proposed $400 million for construction of the ballroom. The White House has said in court documents that the East Wing project would be “heavily fortified,” including bomb shelters, military installations and a medical facility underneath the ballroom. Trump has said it should include bulletproof glass and be able to repel drone attacks.
GOP’s $1B White House Ballroom Proposal Draws Backlash From Trump Critics - Newsweek. Although the Senate bill bars the funds from being used for nonsecurity elements, such as the ballroom's physical structure or furnishings, Republicans backing the plan argue that while private donors may pay for the building itself, taxpayers should finance the security infrastructure needed to protect the president and future residents and visitors of the White House.
G.O.P. Proposes $1 Billion in Immigration Bill for Trump’s Ballroom Project - New York Times. Senate Republicans have inserted $1 billion for White House East Wing security enhancements in the immigration enforcement funding bill they hope to rush through Congress this month, setting up a political fight over a ballroom that President Trump has said would be financed with private money.
Another Interesting Comment found on BlueSky
|
| Another Interesting Comment found on BlueSky |
WHO TO CONTACT
Your opinion only matters to our lawmakers if you let them know! The more people who speak up, the more meaningful our opinions will be.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman - Chuck Grassley (R - Iowa). Age 92135 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510202-224-3744
Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member - Senator Richard (Dick) Durbin (D) Age 81711 Hart Senate BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510202-224-2152
CLICK HERE if you want to contact another member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Addresses and phone numbers are shown for all members of the committee.
CLICK HERE if you want to contact some U.S. Senators. Addresses and phone numbers are shown for all senators.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman -
Chuck Grassley (R - Iowa). Age 92
135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
202-224-3744
Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member -
Senator Richard (Dick) Durbin (D) Age 81
711 Hart Senate Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
202-224-2152
CLICK HERE if you want to contact some U.S. Senators. Addresses and phone numbers are shown for all senators.