WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are pushing $1 billion in White House security upgrades for President Donald Trump’s ballroom project. A Republican bill released late Monday would give the U.S. Secret Service money for “security adjustments and upgrades” related to the ballroom. Trump and Republicans have been pushing the project since an incident last week at a media dinner where a man was charged with trying to assassinate the president. Republicans say the president needs the ballroom as a secure location to hold events. Democrats oppose funding the ballroom and The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to stop it.
BEIRUT — Twelve U.S. Democratic senators have asked the U.S. Central Command about coordination with Israel on evacuation zones in Lebanon and Iran. They claim this may violate international law. Israel has issued warnings for residents to flee, leading to displacement and civilian deaths. Over 1 million people in Lebanon have fled their homes during the war. The letter, led by Vermont Sen. Peter Welch, highlights concerns about U.S. complicity in these actions. This follows a recent effort by Democrats to block arms sales to Israel. The Senators seek clarity on U.S. military support and coordination with Israel. Israel says the warnings aim to protect civilians from Hezbollah attacks.
– The Associated Press
