Quigley Secures $75 Million for Chicago Security Ahead of Democratic Convention
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that Chicago and Milwaukee, who are each hosting the 2024 presidential candidate nominating conventions, will receive $75 million in funding for security operations and law enforcement surrounding the conventions. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act which passed the House today. The bill is expected to be passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Biden later this week.
Since April 2023, Quigley has led the call for additional funding to address increasing security needs. In January 2024, Quigley led a bicameral, bipartisan letter asking that $75 million be dedicated to each host city to cover security costs. Necessary costs range from purchasing technology to detect bomb threats, police overtime pay, travel and more. Since 2004, the funding amount has remained at $50 million, despite the effects of inflation and increases in domestic security threats.
“For nearly a year, I have been working with leaders in Chicago and Congress to see that the 2024 nominating conventions are held in the safest environment possible. It is unrealistic to expect these conventions to run smoothly and peacefully while operating with funding levels from two decades ago,” said Quigley. “With this year’s DNC happening in Chicago, I have been especially determined to ensure we have the capacity to respond to potential threats and provide law enforcement the necessary resources and support to do their jobs. Now that the funding is included in the package, I am confident that Chicagoans, Milwaukeeans and Americans from across the country can safely enjoy these conventions.”
A link to the final bill is available HERE.