Senate GOP leaders are considering reducing funding in their reconciliation bill for the Secret Service and for President Donald Trump’s controversial East Wing ballroom.
The $1 billion sum could shrink as Senate Republicans weigh a wide range of changes to the text in a rush to find something that can win rank-and-file GOP votes, satisfy the White House and pass muster with the Senate’s parliamentarian.
At this point, the biggest of those three challenges appears to be what one senior GOP aide called “Trump management.” The White House is pushing hard for the ballroom funding language to remain in the bill, in some form or another, despite complaints from vulnerable Republicans.
Meanwhile, it’s proving difficult for Senate GOP leaders to lock down the requisite support.
“Our goal is to get 50 votes and to make sure they have the money they need for security,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Monday.
Inside the talks. The parliamentary hurdles underscore the major problems GOP leaders have faced.
“I think everything is negotiable at this point,” Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) told reporters Monday. Grassley also said he’s confident about clearing language with the parliamentarian.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) will oppose the bill if the ballroom language stays in, while other key GOP senators have been critical or noncommittal. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) plans to push an amendment to pay for the security funding.
The House. The House Republican leadership believes they won’t be able to pass a reconciliation bill that includes anything resembling funding for the ballroom.
Speaker Mike Johnson will be under real pressure this week if the bill reaches the House by Friday morning.
Rep. Tom Kean (R-N.J.) isn’t expected back in Washington this week. Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-Calif.) has said he won’t support the bill absent ICE reforms, which aren’t happening. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) has said he’ll vote against anything with ballroom funding.
Remember, though: House Republicans frequently fold. So take all this with a grain of salt.
Markups begin. Senate Republicans are taking steps to prepare the bill for a floor vote. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee begins marking up its title at 8 a.m.
HSGAC Democrats will push amendments on a wide range of topics, including affordability issues and ensuring that DHS funds are directed to other priorities. Democrats are also planning to force votes on ICE reforms they’ve been demanding for months.
Note: Trump will deliver remarks at 7:15 p.m. today at the Congressional Picnic.
