Reveling in Inaugural Excess, Bush Taps D.C.’s Homeland Security

[kerrygoddess]

In yet another twist on the most expensive Inauguration is U.S. history, the Bush administration has refused reimburse D.C.’s expenses for security related costs to the city. Instead of reimbursing these expenses, Federal officials have told D.C. officials that they should cover expenses using money from their homeland security grants.

Even Republican Rep. Thomas M. Davis III, chairman of the House Government Reform Committee, sees this as a problem. Davis spokesman David Marin, said “"It's an unfunded mandate of the most odious kind. How can the District be asked to take funds from important homeland security projects to pay for this instead?"

Inauguration officials said they plan to spend $40 million on the four-day celebration, which will include fireworks, the swearing-in, a parade and nine balls. Those expenses -- which do not include security and other public services -- are being funded by private donors.

"Security will be at the highest levels of any inauguration," said Ridge, describing it as unprecedented.

The airspace around Washington will be severely restricted for eight hours on inauguration day, with private planes forbidden to fly within 23 miles of the capital's three major airports.

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