By Lauren Fox, Manu Raju, Sarah Ferris, Ellis Kim, CNN
(CNN) – Some key Senate Republicans are showing they might back up to $1 billion in security upgrades for President Donald Trump’s ballroom renovation project, even with Democratic criticisms coming in, as the White House ramps up its efforts to push this through.
However, this vote could put several moderate senators in a tricky spot politically, especially since the president mentioned that his ballroom would be funded by private donations.
“Obviously, there have been three or four attempts on the president’s life, and that’s extremely serious, and we’re in a heightened era of political violence, but the ballroom itself should be paid for by private donations, as the president had indicated,” Maine GOP Sen. Susan Collins said, noting she wanted more details on what exactly the money would be used for.
Yet Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed confidence on Monday that congressional Republicans will support the $1 billion funding request. He argued that this money will go toward other Secret Service projects besides just the ballroom itself.
“It’s to secure the building – and not just the ballroom. I think the entire East Wing, which is something the Secret Service is tasked with protecting when the president is using it,” Thune told reporters. “It’s pretty clear it’s a tool to keep the president safe.”
The White House plans to intensify its push for funding on Tuesday with the US Secret Service director expected to join lawmakers at their lunch meeting.
This issue is shaping up as another political challenge for Republicans as they work towards securing funding for federal immigration enforcement in a party-line vote.
The proposal for up to $1 billion in ballroom security funding – part of a larger package that includes immigration enforcement funding – was announced while lawmakers were away from Washington on a planned recess and caught some Republicans off guard.
Within their ranks, some House and Senate Republicans expressed dissatisfaction about including this money. Multiple sources told CNN they were worried that allocating any funds towards East Wing renovations-even if it’s for security-might not resonate well with voters focused on their own cost of living concerns and could negatively impact competitive GOP races nationwide this fall.
On the other hand, some Republican senators argue that this project is necessary and would benefit future presidents from both parties.
“Obviously, the [White House Correspondents’ Association] dinner made the case for why we need a secure ballroom,” Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis told CNN about her support for this initiative.
“It’s for all presidents now and in the future,” North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven added.
When asked if adding ballroom funding might jeopardize lawmakers’ chances of passing this package-which also includes funding for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with border patrol-Thune maintained that it “fits nicely” into the bill.
“I think it fits nicely within a package that’s built around public safety-whether it’s at our borders or in our streets and neighborhoods-and here it’s about protecting the president,” he said.
“I support it. I think it makes sense because it’s part of what it costs to protect the president of America during such dangerous times.”
The Republican leader later mentioned that they expect an extensive breakdown from the Secret Service director on how these funds will be allocated during tomorrow’s meeting.
However, multiple GOP senators noted Monday evening-their first night back since details emerged about this funding-that they still needed further specifics from administration before agreeing to use taxpayer dollars on this renovation project.
Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul made his stance clear: he believes all expenses related to renovating should come from private funds alone.
“It isn’t what the president has asked. I mean, he requested permission to use private money; I think we should stick with what he asked,” Paul stated when asked if he’d support $1 billion towards this project. “My preference is always no taxpayer money. And he can do it privately. That’s my preference.”
A few Republicans also raised concerns regarding how people might perceive such a hefty price tag-now proposed at $1 billion compared to last month’s suggestion of $400 million introduced by South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and others specifically for ballroom construction costs.
Dems plan an aggressive counteroffensive against these funds-including attempting to exclude them under parliamentary rules governing inclusion within overall packages).
“This staggering waste of taxpayer dollars has nothing-nothing-to do with security but everything related to Trump’s ego,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked during comments delivered from Senate floor Monday afternoon.
“The American people are calling out for help; yet these ballroom Republicans seem fixated only on one thing: Donald Trump’s ego. It really is disgraceful! Democrats will utilize every method available to resist passing this bill,” he declared.
SENATOR THOM TILLIS warned colleagues they’d likely face backlash due directly due upon spending roughly $ 1 Billion dollars. ” If I’m working within Democratic marketing department. I’d probably brainstorm many ways target ads against Republican Senators who vote YES For This.” explained retiring North Carolina Senator ” Knowing How Craft Message On Doing Such A Thing While Gas Prices Hit Four Dollars Plus Will Not Play Well With Voters”.
TILLIS did not rule out supporting BALLROOM FUNDING himself however ” I’ve got so many questions await answers” He Said “Plan To Be Briefed Later This Week”.
The MONEY included within G. O. P Bill meant aimed at “SECURITY ADJUSTMENTS AND UPGRADES” focused mainly located EAST WING & Its Project modernized aspect Supporting Enhancements Intended By SECRET SERVICE” However legislative text does NOT provide specific details outlining certain features supported ultimately based also Could include both ABOVE Ground AND BELOW ground SECURITY Features!”
This means republicans still can decide whether they’ll move ahead WITHOUT Including those FUNDS specified Earlier! G. O. P Leaders Aim Moving broader PACKAGE Regarding Immigration Funding Through Special Filibuster-Proof Process sometime THIS MONTH They may HAVE To Remove Entire Funding Completely IF MODERATES continue Complain Since its earlier stages!
JUDICIARY Committee Set Initial Step Approving Portion Broader Measure Tuesday Morning Including Ballroom Money! Yet Meeting POSTPONED Confirmed By Committee Announced Last Night (Chairman Chuck Grassley Mentioned Issues NOT Causing Delay).
Republicans Need Almost Every Member ON BOARD IN ORDER FOR Their Immigration PACKAGE To Survive Complicated RECONCILIATION Process Allowing SENATE Passage Without DEMOCRATIC Votes!
SENATOR PAUL CHARGED WITH HEAD OF SENATE’S HOMELAND SECURITY PANEL INDICATED Parliamentarian MAY SIMPLY STRIP OUT Language Pertaining TO BALLOOM FUNDING! “I Think That’s Possibility” HE SAID! When pressed ON THIS MATTER THUNE WOULD ONLY SAY IT’S UNCERTAIN IF Ballroom Funding WILL Make IT Through SO-CALLED BYRD BATH STATING “We’ll See”.
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