In an unexpected turn of events, the U.S. Senate approved a bill late Friday that would maintain the District of Columbia’s budget for the current fiscal year, eliminating concerns over a potential rollback to 2024 levels. The initial proposal threatened significant financial cuts, drawing protests from the city’s mayor and its residents, who warned it could lead to a $1 billion shortfall in crucial public services.
The legislation passed with unanimous consent and now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives, which is set to address it upon returning from recess in late March. Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine and chair of the influential Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized during a brief session that the bill’s purpose was straightforward: to allow D.C. to utilize its own tax revenues effectively. Collins assured that the measure involved no federal funds, merely rectifying an oversight in the broader government shutdown prevention package.
Following the Senate’s decision, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a statement highlighting the vote as a pivotal advancement, reinforcing the need for continued collaboration with the House to preserve essential services in the capital. Bowser underscored the city’s commendable financial management, balanced budgets, and robust bond ratings.
The predicament caught the attention of D.C.’s leaders and its residents, who quickly mobilized to voice their concerns on Capitol Hill against Congressional interference in the city’s governance. Although the District attained Home Rule during the era of President Nixon, current Congressional control by Republican majorities poses renewed oversight challenges for its 700,000 residents.
The issue originated within a package approved by House Republicans intended to fund the federal government and avert a shutdown. The package failed to include a standard provision, traditionally allowing the District to operate its budget, predominantly funded by local tax revenues and subject to federal approval. Consequently, this omission risked fixing the budget at 2024 levels, potentially generating a $1 billion deficit impacting law enforcement, education, and other vital services.
Senators refrained from altering the federal funding package to avoid jeopardizing government operations but expressed optimism in remedying D.C.’s situation through the newly passed bill. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer celebrated the vote, urging the House to expedite its approval.
Earlier this week, Bowser, alongside city council members, rallied outside the U.S. Capitol, advocating for Congressional action. This call for support aligns with her ongoing efforts to maintain a functional relationship with the Trump administration despite D.C.’s historically Democratic leanings. Previously, President Donald Trump suggested placing Washington, D.C., under full federal jurisdiction, with Republican legislators drafting corresponding bills.
In a move to address certain Republican concerns, Bowser recently removed the Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon succinctly captured the sentiment of many advocates: “The people of D.C. deserve a fair shake.”
