Senate Republicans are facing new scrutiny over a proposed $1 billion White House ballroom project after the Senate parliamentarian reportedly ruled that the provision does not belong in the GOP spending bill.
According to reports shared online, the parliamentarian determined that the section directing $1 billion to the U.S. Secret Service for the ballroom project in the White House East Wing was subject to a 60-vote Byrd Rule point of order.
The ruling means the provision could be removed or challenged because it may not meet the requirements for inclusion in a reconciliation bill.
Democrats quickly pointed to the decision as a major setback for Republicans, arguing the funding request was inappropriate for the legislation.
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Sen. Jeff Merkley said Democrats are prepared to challenge any attempt to change the bill in order to keep the provision alive.
Republicans also appeared uneasy with the reported price tag, with some lawmakers questioning whether the $1 billion figure was realistic or politically defensible.
The proposed ballroom project has drawn criticism because of its large cost at a time when Congress remains divided over spending, deficits and government priorities.
Supporters of the project may argue that the White House requires major event space upgrades and additional security coordination for large official gatherings.
Critics, however, say the request looks excessive and could become a political liability for Republicans as they push broader budget priorities.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions inside Congress over what should be included in major spending packages and how far lawmakers can stretch reconciliation rules.
For now, the future of the ballroom funding remains uncertain as Senate Republicans decide whether to revise the bill or abandon the provision entirely.
🚨 Senate parliamentarian just knocked out the provision in the Republican bill to spend $1 billion on Trump’s ballroom—per Budget Cmte Dems.
Merkley: “While we expect Republicans to change this bill to appease Trump, Democrats are prepared to challenge any change to this bill.” pic.twitter.com/V1gvklf2O0
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) May 17, 2026
