Velazquez on Continuing Resolution Funding for Trump Tower

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding funding in the Continuing Resolution for security costs at Trump Tower:

“It’s shameful Congressional Republicans would saddle New York City taxpayers with the bulk of the cost for securing the President-Elect and the First Family at Trump Tower. The Presidency is a federal office and New Yorkers should not be forced to bear these costs alone.

“Yesterday, Members of the New York Delegation heard from NYPD representatives who detailed why it is so costly and complicated to secure this location. With 7,000 pedestrians passing through this area hourly, the Trump Tower location is one of the busiest intersections in the world. Yet House Republicans are proposing only one-fifth of the security funds the City said would be needed.

“Now that Republicans in Congress have abdicated this basic responsibility, the question remains – will President-Elect Trump chip in for the cost of maintaining a second, full-time residence? The fact is if the entire First Family relocated to the White House, this problem would be solved with minimal expense for taxpayers. If Mr. Trump chooses to have a full-time, second residence - located at one of the busiest intersections in the world - then he should use his own significant personal resources to help shoulder the security costs. I will continue asking the Mayor to make this case to the President-Elect.”

On Monday, Velázquez wrote the Mayor and the Governor on this topic saying City taxpayers should not be required to shoulder the costs of securing a second, full-time residence for the President-Elect. That letter is online here.