D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is rallying against a $1 billion midyear budget cut imposed on the District following President Trump’s signing of a federal stopgap bill. The unexpected financial curtailment has prompted urgent action from city officials who warn of potentially devastating impacts on essential services.
The cuts, which would force the District to trim $1.3 billion before the fiscal year ends, could slash funding for public schools, police, transportation and emergency services. City officials outline potential reductions including $350 million from schools, $216 million from Metro transit, and $75 million from the Metropolitan Police Department.
At the heart of the issue is a special provision typically included in federal spending bills that allows the District to fund its day-to-day operations independently of federal budget disputes. Without this provision, the nation’s capital must adhere to the same budgetary constraints as federal agencies, limiting spending to previous fiscal year levels.
“These are D.C. local dollars,” Ms. Bowser emphasized during a briefing at the John A. Wilson building, surrounded by nearly the entire D.C. Council. “Cutting them in the middle of the year would be devastating to our operations and to our shared goals.”
Hope emerges in the form of bipartisan support for a Senate bill introduced by Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, which passed unanimously and would restore the funds. Ms. Collins described the provision’s removal as a “mistake,” while Ms. Bowser noted the bill has backing from key Republicans including Mr. Trump and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole.
The budget dispute represents another chapter in the complex relationship between Congress and the District, with House Republicans recently introducing legislation targeting D.C. governance, including a bill to overturn the Home Rule Act and another threatening to withhold federal funding over a “Black Lives Matter” road mural.
As the political chess match continues, Ms. Bowser is holding conversations with the Republican-controlled House while lawmakers are in recess, expressing confidence but avoiding announcements about specific program cuts until Congress provides clarity on the District’s financial future.
Read more: D.C. awaits House’s next move on restoring $1 billion in city funds
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