Following Boston, Norton to Meet with Federal Police Leadership about Sequester Impact on Public Safety at Outdoor D.C. Events this Summer
WASHINGTON, DC – Following a House hearing that touched on sequester cuts to federal police earlier this week, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that she will meet separately with federal police officials and union leaders regarding the sequester's impact on the federal police workforce and resources in the District of Columbia, in light of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon.
"Boston exposed a series of new risks that will require expanded police presence at outdoor events," said Norton. "Because so many of these outdoor events are coming up in D.C., now is the time to address the police presence in light of the sequester."
Norton said she has no doubt that our federal and D.C. police forces in particular are skilled and prepared, because of their extensive experience in crowd protection and security at large events here, such as inaugurations, July 4th and Labor Day. However, she is concerned about the impact of sequestration on the resources and workforces of the various federal police departments.
Norton, following the House hearing this week on the effects of sequestration, said, "D.C. is one of the nation's great marathon, parade, and outdoor event cities – and we are going to stay that way. We have learned much from our past experience with incidents and our success in protecting the city. Our police forces have become professional security officers. Give them the resources they need and they will do what is necessary to keep the capital city safe, open, and the pride of the nation."
Published: April 18, 2013