Rick Scott

Sen. Rick Scott opposes using taxpayer money for a proposed White House ballroom, citing the national debt.

The proposal follows a recent shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Proponents argue the new ballroom and underground facility would enhance presidential security.

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida is objecting to his fellow Republican colleagues' proposal to spend up to $400 million in taxpayer money to build President Donald Trump's 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House.

Scott, a longtime Trump ally, told NBC News on April 27 that the ballroom should be paid for only with private funds, a financial plan the president has repeatedly lauded.

"I don’t know why you would do it (with taxpayer money) if it’s all funded," Scott told the network.

"We have $39 trillion in debt," the senator added, referring to the nation's increase in deficit spending. "Maybe we ought to stop spending money."

Scott's comments come in the wake of GOP senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Katie Britt of Alabama, and Eric Schmitt of Missouri announcing legislation on April 27 seeking to provide $400 million to build the new ballroom at the White House. Graham called the April 25 shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner "a wake-up call."

"America has a problem, and we intend to fix it," Graham told reporters at a news conference about the proposed ballroom, which includes an underground military facility and Secret Service annex that can be used in case of a national emergency. "This is not about Trump. It’s about the presidency of the United States. It’s about the person who occupies that office not being put at risk if they choose to go off-campus."

Graham's comments came two days after gunfire halted the WHCA dinner in a third attempt on President Trump's life. His allies are rallying behind his planned ballroom project as a security solution. The president said on social media on April 26 that the shooting is "exactly the reason" a "secure ballroom" with an underground bunker is needed.

Accused shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was charged on April 27 with attempting to assassinate Trump and faces multiple weapons charges. Allen could face life in prison if convicted.

Graham gives reasons why taxpayers should pay for the ballroom

During his news conference with Britt and Schmitt, Graham said taxpayers should pay for the ballroom's infrastructure, and numerous donors could pay for its furnishings and decor. Graham said he doesn't see the ballroom as "a vanity project."

"Private donations can be used, but I think they should be used for buying china and stuff like that," said Graham, who is chair of the Senate Budget Committee. Graham said he prefers to pass his proposed White House ballroom bill through the regular process, which requires 60 votes in the Senate, and could put to rest concerns that Trump moved ahead without a congressional mandate.

The National Capital Planning Commission, headed by Trump appointees, has approved the ballroom project. When asked about fellow Republicans who may oppose taxpayers footing the bill, Graham said while "the need is real," they can "just vote no."

"All I ask you to do is vote. I don’t care how you vote. I want a vote," Graham said. "I want to see, where is America on this? I’ll bet you 90% of the people would love to have a better facility than the Hilton hotel to make sure this crap never happens again."