White House ballroom funds hang over GOP push to fund ICE

Washington — The Senate is returning to Washington on Monday from a week-long recess as Republicans prepare to take the next steps in their plan to fund immigration agencies under the Department of Homeland Security without help from Democrats. But the addition of security funds for President Trump's overhaul of the East Wing of the White House, which includes his plans for a massive ballroom, could pose hurdles. Last week, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees unveiled legislative text to fund DHS' immigration enforcement through fiscal year 2029. The $72 billion package includes more than $38 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and $26 billion for Customs and Border Protection. It would also provide $1 billion to the Secret Service for "security adjustments and upgrades," including to support enhancements related to the 90,000-square-foot "East Wing Modernization Project." In addition to the ballroom, the construction includes revamped underground national security and health care facilities. The GOP bill would allow the money to be spent on "above-ground and below-ground security features." Mr. Trump announced the makeover of the White House's East Wing last July. By October, the structure was demolished , and the administration aimed to move quickly on the project it says is necessary for security and hosting large events. …