The Trump administration is paying for television ads promoting the president with money Congress approved for border security upgrades, efforts to combat drug trafficking and memorials for officers killed in the line of duty, the Washington Post reported, citing records. The Office of Management and Budget gave Customs and Border Protection $20 million on Sept. 19, and the agency awarded an advertising company a contract for that amount the next day. The ads began airing Sept. 23.

Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, introduced a bill that would cut OMB’s budget by $20 million each time the administration violates the federal prohibition on using taxpayer funds for publicity or propaganda. Her proposal follows Representative Jamie Raskin’s demand for investigations by two government watchdog agencies. Television airtime for the campaign has cost at least $2.5 million, AdImpact estimates.

The ads include material from Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and have drawn criticism from both parties ahead of the midterm elections. The White House calls the spots public service announcements, and Trump defended them by saying, “I’m not promoting a candidate.” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said they don’t “merit any sort of FCC review,” despite Public Citizen’s complaint alleging they violate the prohibition on government propaganda.