U.S. to Reimburse City for Visits of Dignitaries

For the first time, Los Angeles will be reimbursed by the federal government for security and clean-up costs incurred for hosting foreign dignitaries under legislation signed Tuesday by President Bush.

Previously, such reimbursement was available only to New York City. The Foreign Relations Act of 1991 makes Los Angeles and six other cities eligible to share in a $28-million State Department fund for police protection and other costs that result from a VIP visit.

“Los Angeles hosts hundreds of visiting heads of state and other VIPs every year,” said Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Panorama City), the measure’s sponsor. “It’s just unacceptable that millions of dollars in scarce Los Angeles taxpayer funds are being used to cover police time for these visits.”