Senate Parliamentarian Rejects White House Ballroom Funding in Reconciliation Bill

Republicans had pursued including the funding alongside a $73 billion funding package for immigration enforcement operations through 2029.

Construction is underway on a ballroom being added to the East Wing of the White House in Washington, on Nov. 17, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

The Senate’s nonpartisan referee has rejected a bid by Republicans to fund $1 billion for the White House ballroom expansion and other White House security upgrades.

According to Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, the $1 billion proposal breaks the rules of the reconciliation process. As parliamentarian, MacDonough’s go-ahead is traditionally required to approve individual items passed under the partisan process.