Washington, D.C.: Area Senators Battle Budget Cuts

The budget recently passed by the House of Representatives would cut more than $60 billion in federal spending. Among its provisions, the measure would reduce federal funding to the District of Columbia by $80 million and re-impose "riders" that would prevent the District from using its money on needle-exchange programs and abortions for low-income women. While all House Republicans from Maryland and Virginia voted for the measure, the states' four Democratic Senators said they would try to prevent many provisions from becoming law. District Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) said she is "rounding up Senate allies who, along with the Obama administration, are committed to preserving D.C.'s home-rule rights and dignity as a local jurisdiction."

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