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Reconciliation race

CQ Budget, Episode No. 392

President Donald Trump's push for a $1 billion security upgrade connected to a proposed ballroom poses logistical and political challenges to the GOP's reconciliation bill.
President Donald Trump's push for a $1 billion security upgrade connected to a proposed ballroom poses logistical and political challenges to the GOP's reconciliation bill. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
By Paul M. Krawzak and Aidan Quigley
Posted May 18, 2026 at 4:19pm

Republicans are scrambling to rewrite portions of the $72 billion budget reconciliation bill after the Senate parliamentarian advised against key parts, including Secret Service funding connected to the White House ballroom project. CQ’s Paul M. Krawzak and Aidan Quigley discuss the parliamentarian’s advice and the prospects of passage before the upcoming Memorial Day recess.

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