Chicago City Wire

On April 28, 2023 , U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Appropriations Committee,led members of the Illinois delegation in a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, and Science 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, nominating conventions have been offered $50 million to each host city. This amount has not changed, despite the effects of inflation. Twelve Housemembers co-signed the letter, in addition to Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

“My top priority leading up to the DNC is the safety and security of Chicagoans. The DNC is a massive operation that hosts hundreds of politicians, reporters, and guests. With such a large number of high-profile attendees comes elevated security risks. We must ensure local law enforcement have the tools they need to respond to potential threats,” said Quigley. “I am confident that with the support of this funding our city will host an incredible event where people are safe and our law enforcement are supported.”

The members wrote, “In recent years, it has become more difficult for host cities to absorb security costs in existing budgets and wait for federal reimbursement. Funding for these activities has been set at $50 million, per host city, since 2004. Since that time, no adjustments accounting for inflation or increased security needs have occurred. We believe it is vital that an adjustment be made now to ensure adequate security is in place to meet the needs of hosting this important event.”

A PDF copy of the letter is available HERE and the text of the letter is included below:

Dear Chair Rogers, Chair Shaheen, Ranking Member Cartwright, and Ranking Member Moran:

As members of the Illinois delegation, we respectfully request your support and assistance in securing $150 million for security costs associated with the 2024 presidential candidate nominating conventions within the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant program in the FY 2024 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill. We ask that $75 million is dedicated to each host city.

After being selected to host the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on April 11, the City of Chicago and other regional officials have begun security preparations. Chicago is exceptionally well positioned to host the Nominating Convention. However, as with any city, additional resources well outside the local budget will be necessary to meet the needs of this special security event.

Presidential candidate nominating conventions are typically designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security.1 The successful implementation of a NSSE plan requires the participation and coordination of a variety of partner agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. Generally, an NSSE will encompass all aspects of a jurisdiction’s resources.

Local law enforcement will need support to provide police escorts for all credentialed convention personnel, as well as armed security patrols for convention offices and related facilities. Additionally, they will install and operate a range of security equipment including magnetometers, hand scanners, and package scanners to screen tens of thousands of individuals at numerous sites, alongside the implementation of other necessary security protections.

In recent years, it has become more difficult for host cities to absorb security costs in existing budgets and wait for federal reimbursement. Funding for these activities has been set at $50 million, per host city, since 2004. Since that time, no adjustments accounting for inflation or increased security needs have occurred. We believe it is vital that an adjustment be made now to ensure adequate security is in place to meet the needs of hosting this important event.

Therefore, we respectfully request $150,000,000 to be appropriated for law enforcement activities associated with the presidential nominating conventions, to be divided equally between the Democratic and Republican National Convention host cities.

As one of the hosts, the City of Chicago anticipates the current federal funding of $50M will not be adequate for the 2024 DNC due to inflation, potential supply chain issues, increased public safety personnel and equipment needs, and increased 1 1 P.L. 106-544, Sec. 3; 114 Stat. 2716. 2 U.S. Congressional Research Service. Presidential Candidate and Nominating Convention Security (IF11555; May 20, 2020), by Shawn Reese. insurance costs because of potential security threats. This funding is vital to supporting the designated local law enforcement agencies in Chicago, IL as the designated city for the DNC.

It cannot be stressed enough that a full and timely appropriation of the federal share of convention security costs is imperative for successful planning and execution of next year's party nominating conventions. These funds are to be explicitly used for security purposes and ensuring local law enforcement has the tools they need to respond to potential threats.

Thank you for your consideration.

Original source can be found here.