Mayor Bowser Warns GOP Spending Bill Could Slash $1 Billion from D.C. Budget

Washington D.C. officials are raising urgent concerns over a GOP-backed spending bill that would force the city to cut $1 billion from its local budget. Mayor Muriel Bowser held a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Monday, warning that the bill could have severe consequences for public safety, schools, and economic programs.

The bill, part of a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government open, would treat D.C. like a federal agency, restricting its ability to spend local tax dollars. 

Bowser pushed back, saying, “We are not a federal agency. We are a city, county, and state all at once.” 

She called on Congress to revise the language to allow D.C. to manage its own budget, as it has in previous funding bills.

House Republicans argue that the CR prioritizes essential services and prevents a government shutdown. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole defended the bill, saying it provides funding for core government functions while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Meanwhile, Bowser stressed that the bill undermines D.C.'s efforts to improve public safety and education. She noted that the cuts would hurt efforts to boost the local economy and revitalize the city.

The White House and House Speaker Mike Johnson have been in discussions with Bowser’s office, but no changes have been made to the bill. With a vote expected soon, D.C. leaders fear they will be left with no choice but to make deep and painful budget cuts.

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