PRESIDENT TRUMP'S BIG, BEAUTIFUL BALLROOM

On 2026-05-20, Representative George Latimer (D-NY-16) delivered a floor speech titled "PRESIDENT TRUMP'S BIG, BEAUTIFUL BALLROOM" in the House.

PRESIDENT TRUMP'S BIG, BEAUTIFUL BALLROOM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)] [House] [Page H3664] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] PRESIDENT TRUMP'S BIG, BEAUTIFUL BALLROOM (Mr. LATIMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express our collective national dismay over the President's big, beautiful ballroom. While Americans struggle daily with ever-increasing bills for food, gasoline, and utilities, President Trump dishes billions in payouts to Capitol rioters and no-bid contracts on vanity projects: fountains, reflecting pools, a triumphal arch, the Kennedy Center, and, most infamous of all, the White House ballroom, a monstrous homage to the age of Emperor Nero. Unsurprisingly, we now find the ballroom will cost American taxpayers $1 billion for the benefit of one man. I ask myself: How can Americans be expected to keep funding the lifestyles when prices for necessities continue to climb? Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of New York, we say: Enough. I encourage my colleagues to take this sentiment to heart and reject the latest appropriation request. This is clearly the wrong priority at the wrong time. ____________________