Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Monday criticized Republicans for scheduling a vote on legislation that would allocate $1 billion for President Donald Trump's ballroom at the White House. As GOP members prepare to return to Washington to defend the project, Schumer argued that it symbolizes the administration's failures.
In a letter to Democratic colleagues, Schumer stated: 'That is what today's Republicans have become: Ballroom Republicans — asking working families to pay the price while Donald Trump pockets the perks.' The project, initially said to be funded by private donations, now requires congressional approval after a federal judge's ruling.
Trump has cited an assassination attempt at a press gala as justification for a secure ballroom, though security was not originally mentioned. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle insisted there would be no public cost, but the legislative text explicitly allocates $1 billion.
The bill specifies funds for 'security adjustments and upgrades, including within the perimeter fence of the White House Compound to support enhancements by the United States Secret Service relating to the East Wing Modernization Project.' It prohibits use for non-security elements, but since Trump now deems the entire project a security necessity, the restriction may be ineffective.
The ballroom project, which began with the surprise demolition of the East Wing, is highly unpopular. Schumer's letter signals that Democrats will aggressively highlight the contrast between addressing affordability and Trump's focus on remaking Washington.
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) released a fact sheet showing how the $1 billion could instead restore Medicaid cuts, reinstate ACA subsidies, cover childcare for 78,995 infants, or cover rent for 62,096 households in Nevada. 'This is a vanity project that did not need to happen,' Rosen said.
Democratic aides expect other senators to release similar contrasts. Republicans added the ballroom funding to a budget bill for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, using a process that bypasses the filibuster. However, many Republicans are uncomfortable, and swing-district members argue it is politically toxic.
Schumer vowed to make the legislative process difficult, including votes on symbolic amendments on healthcare. 'Democrats will fight the Republicans' reconciliation bill with every tool we have,' he said.
