Oppose Ballroom Funding in Budget Reconciliation Bill

Vote no on the Republican budget reconciliation bill that allocates $1 billion for Trump's White House ballroom project. This vanity project has no legitimate justification and does not improve security or public wellbeing. Construction has already demolished the historic East Wing without congressional approval and in violation of a federal judge's order to stop. The initial $200 million cost estimate has ballooned to $400 million in requested taxpayer funding, on top of private donations from billionaires and corporations with government contracts that raise serious corruption concerns. While the bill text claims the $1 billion cannot be used for construction, the administration has already labeled the entire East Wing renovation as "security," suggesting they will ignore this restriction just as they ignored the court order. This funding belongs in programs that actually serve the public, not a personal construction project that began illegally during a government shutdown. I expect you to oppose this bill and any attempt to funnel taxpayer money into this unnecessary White House makeover.