Quigley Seeks $75 Million for DNC Security Funding
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees calling for the allocation of $150 million for the 2024 presidential candidate nominating conventions. Specifically, the letter asks 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 grant amount has not changed, despite the effects of inflation and changes in domestic security threats.
“It is no secret that politically motivated attacks are on the rise, and this event will bring some of the highest profile political figures to our city. Therefore, I’m determined to exhaust all resources and ensure the DNC is a safe place for both attendees and Chicagoans. This funding is essential for our ability to respond to potential threats as well as provide our law enforcement the necessary resources and support to do their jobs,” said Quigley. “I am calling on the House and Senate to approve this funding and make the right choice not just for Chicago and Milwaukee, but for our democracy.”
Quigley led an initial letter in April 2023 calling for this funding need. A PDF copy of today’s letter is available HERE and the text of the letter is included below:
Dear Chair Murray, Vice Chair Collins, Chair Shaheen, Ranking Member Moran, Chairwoman Granger, Ranking Member DeLauro, Chair Rogers, and Ranking Member Cartwright:
We write to respectfully request your support and assistance to secure additional funding for security costs associated with the 2024 Presidential Candidate Nominating Conventions. The Cities of Milwaukee and Chicago have begun preparations to host the Republican National Convention (RNC) and Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 2024. Milwaukee and Chicago are vibrant economic hubs in the midwestern region and are well positioned to host these events, which are central to our country’s democratic process for electing its president. The Department of Homeland Security has designated both the RNC and DNC as National Special Security Events, recognizing that these important gatherings have unique security costs and considerations. As such, comprehensive security is necessary to ensure the safety of all those attending these events. Costs have risen sharply across all sectors in recent years, and security costs are no different. As a result, it has become more difficult for host cities to absorb security costs in existing budgets and wait for federal reimbursement. Congress has appropriated $50 million per host city since 2004, with no adjustments accounting for inflation or increased security needs. It is vital that Congress address these increased costs now to ensure the safety of these important events.
As such, we respectfully request that an additional $50 million be appropriated for law enforcement activities associated with the presidential nominating conventions, to be divided equally between Milwaukee and Chicago. Each city anticipates spending at least $75 million in security costs due to inflation, supply chain issues, increased public safety personnel and equipment needs, and higher insurance costs due to potential security threats, making this increased appropriation essential to ensure the safety of RNC and DNC attendees. Appropriated funds will be used only for security purposes and ensuring law enforcement has the tools needed to keep attendees safe. Full and timely appropriation of the federal share of convention security costs is imperative for successful planning and execution of security measures for next year's party nominating conventions.
As you work to secure passage of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024, we urge you to include a total appropriation of $150 million for Presidential Nominating Convention security costs. Thank you for your consideration.