Senators question $397 million shift to White House security
What's new: The money came from a $1.2 billion Secret Service allocation, and lawmakers want to know whether any of it will help build the new ballroom.
The Trump administration moved nearly $397 million into accounts for White House security measures this month, triggering bipartisan questions in Congress over whether taxpayer money could be tied to construction of the new White House ballroom. Budget documents posted by the Office of Management and Budget show the transfers were made June 12 and June 15. Nearly $11 million went to the Secret Service's operations and support account, while more than $385 million was directed to procurement, construction and improvements. Congress approved the broader $1.2 billion Secret Service allocation last year for added agency resources, including personnel, training facilities, programming and technology. A senior administration official said the funds will cover security upgrades such as a new visitor screening center and other hardening measures at the White House complex.