Watson Coleman: “First, two points of clarification. Both New York and Boston received $50 million each. There were apparently two…”

“First, two points of clarification. Both New York and Boston received $50 million each. There were apparently two separate appropriations, but they each received $50 million, and that is what Denver and St. Paul-Minneapolis are seeking here. The second point I wish to tell my colleagues is that all funds in here will be ordered. There is a specific ordering provision in this amendment that has not been in previous amendments or previous funding of conventions. Third, the Department of Homeland Security has designated these conventions as national special security events. As such, the Secret Service will be directing the local units of government regarding security needs. Without Federal assistance, the security costs associated with these events are essentially unfunded mandates. I urge my colleagues to ask themselves what are the consequences of not providing this critical emergency funding. The planning has to start now. We all know security risks are real. Look at what happened in Germany yesterday. It is our responsibility as Senators to make sure local law enforcement offices that will be working tirelessly to protect these events have the resources they need. Security is the first responsibility of Government. This funding is for security. Frankly, I wouldn't want to be standing on the Senate floor a year from now saying I wish we had done more.”