PRESS RELEASE from DNCC
For Immediate Release
November 17, 2011
Contact: Kristie Greco, Joanne Peters
Democratic National Convention Committee
Statement on Congressional Approval of Security Funds for City of
Charlotte
CHARLOTTE—The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate today each voted
to pass the final version of legislation containing a $50 million
federal grant to the City of Charlotte for security funds related to
the 2012 Democratic National Convention. The legislation also includes
a $50 million grant to the city of Tampa for the 2012 Republican
National Convention—the same level of funding Denver and Minneapolis
received for the political nominating conventions in 2008. The
bill now heads to President Obama’s desk, who is expected to quickly
sign it into law.
“We’re pleased that with bipartisan support in both chambers, Congress
has approved funding for the City of Charlotte to provide security for
the 2012 Democratic National Convention. We thank Mayors Foxx and
Buckhorn, the leadership in both chambers of Congress and the Florida
and North Carolina Congressional delegations for their work in securing
these funds,” said DNCC Chief Executive Officer Steve Kerrigan.
“These much-needed funds will ensure that not only is this the most
open and accessible convention in history, but a safe one, too.
The security of the city’s residents and convention attendees is a top
priority, and these funds give Charlotte the resources to get the job
done. This convention is going to be about Americans coming
together, and we invite all Charlotteans to come uptown to take part in
the festivities.”
Both conventions have been designated by the Secretary of Homeland
Security as National Special Security Events. This designation
allows federal resources to be deployed to maintain the security
necessary for the event and the area. Examples of other NSSEs
include conventions, State of the Union addresses, Presidential
Inaugurations, Super Bowls and the Academy Awards.
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