Republicans Push $400M White House Ballroom

0:00It's April 27. From breaking headlines to national stories, this is U.S. News Today, powered by AI. Republicans in Congress are moving fast on a bill to fund a massive White House ballroom just two days after a shooting disrupted a dinner, where President Trump was set to speak. Led by Senate budget chairman Lindsey Graham and a couple fellow Republicans, the measure would cover most of the $400 million project, with taxpayer money mainly from customs fees on imports. They say it's all about beefing up security, so the president can host big events without leaving the grounds. Constructions already rolling after Trump demolished the historic East Wing to make room for a ballroom that seats up to 1,000 guests. He first pitched it as privately funded, but now $332 million would come from public coffers with private cash maybe four. Extras like dishes. Graham stressing the heightened threats these days, calling for a quick vote on a standalone bill or slipping it into a larger budget package for, homeland security agencies, Trump jumped

1:04on the shooting incident right after to push the need harder, saying it proves the point for a secure spot. A few other Republicans like Rept Ship Roy from Texas and freshman Senator Tim Sheehy from Montana are backing the play, eyeing special procedures to, pass it with just 51 votes in the Senate where they hold 53 seats. Even one Democrat, Senator John Federman from Pennsylvania, has voiced support so far, and some House Republicans are drafting their own version. A federal judge recently ruled the 90,000 square foot bill needs Congress to sign off, so this push keeps the momentum alive amid the security buzz, ensuring Trump's vision gets locked in without more delays.