WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley today announced federal funding to reimburse Maryland for Presidential Inauguration security expenses has been included in the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) portion of the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which will soon be considered by the full House of Representatives before being taken up by the Senate.

Twenty million dollars will be available to Virginia and Maryland to reimburse state and local law enforcement for security costs related to the Presidential Inauguration. How that funding will be allocated between the two states has not yet been determined. Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, and Congressman Hoyer, Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, fought to include funds to reimburse Maryland for Inaugural expenses in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

“I am proud of the role Maryland played in making this Inauguration such an historic and joyful occasion for the nation. But just as in other parts of the country, the economic downturn means Maryland has fewer resources and greater needs,” said Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.). “When Governor O’Malley asked for federal funding to help the state with these costs, I was proud to fight for it. Congressman Hoyer and I were like a 1-2 punch! Working together, we fought to make sure Maryland would receive help to cover these costs. This is particularly critical as our state faces a tight budget during these difficult economic times.”

“Maryland was honored to do our part in successfully hosting the millions of visitors to the National Capital Region for the Presidential Inauguration,” stated Majority Leader Hoyer. “This great responsibility required the use of additional state resources associated with providing security at inauguration events and ensuring public safety. That is why Senator Mikulski and I pushed the Governor's request for federal reimbursement in this bill. These funds will help cover some of Maryland’s inauguration expenses, and come at a critical time for our state as it works to fill a $2 billion budget hole.”

Governor O’Malley said, “We were proud as Marylanders to have played a role in the historic inauguration of President Obama on January 20, and the resources that our State dedicated for this event helped ensure the smooth transition of power that the world witnessed that day. In these tough economic times when states across the country are struggling to balance our respective budgets, it is vital that the states receive reimbursement for these expenses. We are pleased that Senator Mikulski, Congressman Hoyer, and the Maryland Congressional Delegation have stepped up to do just that.”

Governor O’Malley asked for an emergency declaration in January to make Maryland eligible for federal reimbursement for Inauguration costs. The state provided critical security measures during President Obama’s train trip through Maryland to Washington, D.C., to keep the President, his family, train travelers and people who came to see the President’s stop in Baltimore, and also worked with the Secret Service to reinforce security in the District of Columbia for the duration of Inaugural festivities and events. Providing these security measures cost the state more than $11 million. At the time, no funds had been set aside to reimburse Maryland. Visit http://mikulski.senate.gov/Newsroom/PressReleases/record.cfm?id=306671 for more information.

The Financial Services portion of the Omnibus bill includes $35 million to reimburse Washington, D.C. for Inaugural costs. The Senate will take up the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act once it has been approved by the House of Representatives later this week.

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