12. May 2026
Rand Paul: $1B for White House Ballroom Likely Coming From Budget Reconciliation Bill
WASHINGTON--Sen. Rand Paul said Tuesday that funding for a proposed $1 billion White House ballroom is likely to be included in the sprawling Republican budget reconciliation package moving through Congress, raising new questions about spending priorities as lawmakers negotiate President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda.
The Kentucky Republican, a frequent critic of federal spending increases, made the remarks while discussing ongoing negotiations surrounding the reconciliation bill, which is expected to include tax provisions, defense funding, border security measures and infrastructure projects.
“We’re hearing that the money for the White House ballroom will probably come through reconciliation,” Paul told reporters at the Capitol. “I don’t think adding another billion-dollar federal construction project is what most Americans are asking for right now.”
The proposal centers on a long-discussed plan to construct a large permanent ballroom and event facility connected to or adjacent to the White House complex. Trump and several allies have argued the executive residence lacks adequate space for major state dinners, diplomatic receptions and ceremonial functions, forcing administrations to rely on temporary structures for larger gatherings.
Administration officials have defended the idea as a long-term investment in the White House complex, saying a permanent venue would improve security, logistics and hosting capabilities for future presidents.
The White House has not publicly confirmed whether specific funding for the project is included in the reconciliation framework currently under negotiation.
Democrats quickly criticized the proposal after Paul’s comments, arguing that including the project in a reconciliation package undermines Republican claims of fiscal restraint.
“Families are struggling with costs every day, and Republicans are talking about spending a billion dollars on a ballroom,” one Democratic Senate aide said. “It’s difficult to explain those priorities to the public.”
Paul, who has often broken with members of his own party over deficit spending, suggested he would oppose any provision that substantially increases federal expenditures without corresponding cuts elsewhere.
“I support maintaining historic properties, but there has to be some level of common sense,” Paul said.
Because reconciliation legislation can pass the Senate with a simple majority vote, Republicans are using the process to advance major portions of Trump’s legislative agenda while avoiding a Democratic filibuster.
The White House complex has undergone renovations and modernization efforts throughout its history, though large-scale additions are relatively uncommon due to preservation concerns and political sensitivity surrounding taxpayer-funded upgrades.
Congressional negotiations over the reconciliation package are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with Republican leaders aiming to finalize the legislation before the end of the current session.