D.C. leaders still don’t know if they will have to cut more than $1 billion from the current budget, and what that could mean for schools, first responders and social services. New4’s Mark Segraves reports.
D.C. leaders are working to stop Congress from forcing the District to dramatically cut spending of the city’s own funds after the Senate voted against the budget cut on Friday but the House’s vote is still at least a week away. The mayor said she has not heard from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson about whether he will bring the legislation for a vote.
D.C. officials say the city would have to cut spending by more than $1.1 billion over just a few months, likely forcing cuts to public services, the police department and city schools.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and other leaders are urging members of the House to protect D.C. funds but planning what to do if they choose not to, Bowser said at a news conference Monday afternoon.
“The best option is for the House to fix this, and we’re going to stay focused on the House fixing it,” she said.
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“[...] We have initiated contingency planning to address potential fiscal shortfalls," she continued.
Bowser declined repeated questions about which specific jobs or services might be cut if the House does not support the Senate legislation.
“We will work with the members of the council to make the best decisions for Washington, D.C.,” she said.
The mayor offered assurance of stability in D.C.
“We will meet our financial obligations, and we will maintain the high standard of services that our residents, businesses and visitors expect,” she said.
Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee is allowing the city to continue spending without making any cuts yet. Asked when the city would have to start making cuts, he wouldn’t say.
Bowser was asked about the thousands of D.C. government workers who are worried they may lose their jobs if the budget becomes law.
“If there is ever any impact to our staffing, we’re gonna let people know what we’re working with, and they will be treated with dignity and compassion,” she said.
Bowser thanked D.C. Council members and residents, including schoolchildren, who have advocated on D.C.’s behalf.
“Our home rule is limited but our voices have been heard,” she said.
The mayor’s news conference was interrupted by the mother of Karon Hylton-Brown. The 20-year-old died in 2020 after D.C. police chased him as he rode a scooter and he crashed. In January, President Donald Trump pardoned two officers who were convicted in the case, and the Metropolitan Police Department reinstated them both earlier this month.
“Do you know the pardons of these officers are very much unconstitutional? Do you understand that?” Karen Hylton asked Bowser.
Several D.C. officers escorted Hylton out of the room as she repeated “Do not touch me.”
What's next for the House vote on DC's spending
The Senate approved a continuing resolution (CR) on Friday to avert a government shutdown. Language in the bill effectively repealed D.C.’s current year budget, forcing a return to the prior year’s spending levels, though D.C. raises most of its own funds.
Legislation then passed by a voice vote would remove the requirement in the CR preventing D.C. from spending that billion dollars.
It’s now up to the House to decide on whether to force the D.C. budget cut. Members return from recess on March 24.
D.C. already took steps to prepare for the funding cut. The city administrator issued an order Friday restricting spending on travel, training and office improvements for all government agencies, as well as requiring permission before any agency does any hiring, promotes workers or gives bonuses.
News4 reached out to Speaker Johnson’s office and did not hear back.
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