On June 4, 2026, six Republican senators supported a Democratic amendment aimed at prohibiting the construction of President Donald Trump's East Wing ballroom without congressional approval. The senators who supported the amendment were Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Jon Husted (R-OH). Despite their support, the amendment was defeated, requiring 60 votes to pass and resulting in a tally of 52-47.
The amendment was proposed as part of a GOP immigration enforcement bill that initially included $220 million for ballroom security funding. However, due to opposition and the rules of the reconciliation process, Republicans had to remove the funding. The amendment aimed to prevent the use of federal funds and private donations for the ballroom's construction unless Congress approved it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) criticized Trump's efforts regarding the ballroom, stating, "Trump has fought for his ballroom harder than he’s ever fought to lower your costs."
