Denver shells out $250K to attorneys for "sanctuary" hearing

Driving the news: The request for payment from the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Covington and Burling, first reported by the Denver Gazette and confirmed by Axios Denver, is for "professional services" through March 31 in connection with the congressional inquiry into so-called sanctuary cities.

Catch up quick: Johnston and the mayors of Boston, Chicago and New York City appeared before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on March 5 to answer questions about policies that protect people living illegally in the country from being deported.

• The mayor rejected the suggestion that Denver is a sanctuary city, instead calling it "welcoming city."

What they're saying: Johnston spokesperson Jon Ewing told us that much of the legal cost involved preparing records requested by the congressional committee.

• The final tally, he said, is still pending.

• "This is the first time we've ever been called before Congress to testify ... and we took it extremely seriously," Ewing added.

Zoom in: Four members of Johnston's team traveled to the nation's capital for the hearing: chief of staff Jenn Ridder, senior adviser for strategy and planning Mary Bowman, acting city attorney Katie McLoughlin and press secretary Jordan Fuja, the Gazette reported.

• Travel costs, including lodging, totaled $11,318.

What we're watching: Earlier this month, President Trump's Department of Justice sued Colorado over its policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration agents.

• The case is pending.