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Cassidy Loses Renomination, Calls $1B Ballroom Funding Fabricated

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) became the first U.S. senator to lose renomination since 2012 after Trump-endorsed rivals won Louisiana primary.
Cassidy will not vote for $1 billion White House East Wing ballroom security funding, calling the figure fabricated because the project lacks a bid or plan.
Sen. Thom Tillis and GOP senators questioned the funding after a parliamentarian ruled it violated rules, prompting Majority Leader John Thune to consider a revision.

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Story summary

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) became the first U.S. senator to lose renomination since 2012 after Trump-endorsed rivals won Louisiana primary.
Cassidy will not vote for $1 billion White House East Wing ballroom security funding, calling the figure fabricated because the project lacks a bid or plan.
Sen. Thom Tillis and GOP senators questioned the funding after a parliamentarian ruled it violated rules, prompting Majority Leader John Thune to consider a revision.