NY lawmakers: Trump should pay for his own security
NY lawmakers: Trump should pay for his own security
BY CRISTINA MARCOS - 12/05/16 02:36 PM EST 281 1,645
http://thehill.com/sites/default/fil...?itok=G8pKJycV
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Several Democratic members of the New York congressional delegation think President-elect Donald Trump should pay for his own security costs if his family chooses to maintain two residences while he's in the White House.
In a letter Monday to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, six Democrats representing various New York City boroughs said Trump should pick up the tab for the security costs of living in Washington and Manhattan.
Also Monday, de Blasio said he’s asking the Obama administration to reimburse New York $35 million for Trump’s security costs through Inauguration Day on Jan. 20. He specifically requested House and Senate leaders to include the funds in an upcoming government spending bill expected to be considered in Congress this week.
CNN reported last month that protecting Trump and his family is costing New York City more than $1 million per day. But the estimate provided by de Blasio brings the number down to nearly $500,000 per day. The costs of protecting the Trump family will continue after the president-elect takes office, given that his wife, Melania, and 10-year-old son, Barron, plan to keep living at Trump Tower in the heart of Manhattan until at least next spring. Trump has also indicated he plans to travel to New York frequently.
New York Democratic Reps. Nydia Velazquez, who spearheaded the letter, and Grace Meng, Jerry Nadler, Yvette Clarke, Jose Serrano and Hakeem Jeffries complained that local funds were being used for Trump’s security costs instead of local public policy priorities like affordable housing or infrastructure.
Once Trump is inaugurated, the lawmakers argued, New York should refuse to pay any more security costs for Trump to keep two residences.
“As you are aware, the President-Elect and his family could receive excellent security by choosing to reside at the White House. This solution would keep the President-Elect and his family safe, while minimizing federal and local taxpayer expense,” they wrote.
“To be clear: we understand the absolute importance of keeping the incoming First Family safe. However, municipal or state resources should not be subsidizing the President Elect’s decision to maintain multiple permanent residences.”
http://thehill.com/policy/finance/30...s-own-security
