Capitol Hill Republicans leery or opposed to voting to spend $1 billion in security enhancements for President Donald Trump’s already-controversial White House ballroom are being courted by administration officials trying to win their favor.
The head of the U.S. Secret Service, Sean Curran, is meeting on Tuesday with Senate Republicans, Politico reports, and he is expected to “face several senators who aren’t convinced or are outright opposed to green-lighting the money.”
Politico notes that Curran is expected to pitch the need for the funds in part as necessary to help the agency “keep up broadly with growing threats.”
The Secret Service has been under scrutiny over attempted assassinations of President Trump, including the latest, at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Trump and administration officials used the event to promote the need for the ballroom, although it’s unlikely the WHCA dinner would be held in a White House ballroom.
House Republicans also appear uncomfortable with the political optics of voting to spend $1 billion on security for a ballroom.
Politico reports “a growing number of Republicans are complaining” the inclusion of the $1 billion in funds in immigration legislation “sends a tone-deaf message as voters struggle with higher gas and grocery prices.”
“It’s a bad look. It’s bad timing. It’s bad all around,” one House Republican told Politico.
In private, House Republican leaders are doubtful the measure will have the votes to pass, but they hope the $1 billion gets stripped out of the bill while it is in the hands of the Senate, before it reaches the House.
