DeGette Secures Convention Security Funding

WASHIGNTON, D.C. – As the Congressional session winds down for theHoliday season, Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) today issued thefollowing statement regarding the Consolidated Appropriations Act thatincludes $100 million in security funding for the 2008 Democratic andRepublican National Conventions; Denver and St. Paul will be allocated$50 million each.

"From the minute Denver was awarded the 2008 Democratic NationalConvention, I have worked hard to secure the necessary security fundsfrom the federal government. Having spoken with Speaker Pelosi andother House Democratic Leaders regularly, I have stressed how importantthese funds will be for the security and safety of the Denver-metroarea. Today I am proud that my efforts have paid off.

"The security money included in this Act is critical to meet thesecurity needs of both the Democratic and Republican conventions. AsDenver and St. Paul are relatively small cities hosting such largeevents, getting enough funds early will help defray security costs soconvention planners can secure important contracts. I am confident theHouse will pass this Act with bipartisan support."

The House of Representatives will consider the ConsolidatedAppropriations Act this evening. These funds will be used to reimbursestate and local law enforcement for the costs associated with providingsecurity at the 2008 National Conventions. Congresswomen DeGette andMcCollum recently sent a letter to House and Appropriations Committee leadership requesting these funds.