All Blog Posts from Political Hotsheet

President Bush today announced that an emergency exists in the District Of Columbia. That emergency? The inauguration of Barack Obama – or, rather, the fact that millions are expected to descend on the city to witness it.

By declaring an emergency, Mr. Bush opened the door for D.C. to get additional Federal funding to deal with the unique challenges that will accompany the influx.

An emergency declaration doesn't mean that a dangerous event has been identified or is expected to occur.

According to White House press secretary Dana Perino, the federal assistance is specifically available "for emergency protective measures that are undertaken to save lives and protect public health and safety."

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Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine met today at Secret Service headquarters to discuss Inauguration security details. Though estimates for attendance are down to 2 million from the originally expected 4 million, the quorum signals the cooperation involved in planning next month's massive event.

"No single entity can implement necessary security measures on its own," read a release from the Department of Homeland Security. "At present, 58 federal, military, state and city law enforcement and public safety agencies are working together to ensure a safe and smooth event."

The officials were joined by representatives from the following security agencies: Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, departments of Health and Human Services and Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Park Police, Capitol Police, General Services Administration, and Smithsonian Museum.

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