DC Leaders Urge Senate to Block $1B Budget Cuts

D.C. advocates are rallying to persuade the Senate to block a spending bill that would impose over $1 billion in cuts to the District's budget, potentially devastating essential services including public safety and education. The House's continuous resolution, passed recently, would revert D.C. to its 2024 budget levels, causing significant financial strain as the city is already mid-fiscal year. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and city officials have expressed grave concerns about the implications, noting that such cuts would negatively impact local police, fire, and emergency services. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson emphasized that treating D.C. as a federal agency undermines the city's autonomy and could lead to immediate layoffs and hiring freezes in critical sectors. Activists argue that this move represents an attempt by Congress to exert more control over D.C., which has long battled for greater local governance. The situation remains urgent as Congress must act to avoid a government shutdown, with city leaders appealing for changes to the bill.