Trump Administration Seeks $10 Million More for Freedom 250 as Security Costs Outrun $150 Million
Updated
Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Jul 30
Trump Administration Seeks $10 Million More for Freedom 250 as Security Costs Outrun $150 Million
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Jul 30
Summary
$10 million in additional funding is being sought from Congress to reimburse the National Park Service for Freedom 250 events, including the Great American State Fair, Rededicate 250 and the July Fourth Salute to America.
Interior Department officials said the new request is largely driven by tighter security needs after threats against major public gatherings, including a UFC event outside the White House and an attempted shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
$150 million had already been steered to Interior Department semiquincentennial events last year, prompting Senator Jeff Merkley to demand a detailed accounting and argue taxpayers should not cover further overruns.
The funding push lands after the 16-day Great American State Fair was marred by triple-digit heat, 11 hospitalizations, repeated power failures, a Ferris wheel breakdown and disputes over attendance and prices.