WASHINGTON (AP) - The District of Columbia’s delegate to Congress says President Barack Obama’s budget proposal would give the district some long-sought freedom over local affairs.
Democratic Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton says Obama’s budget contains statutory language calling for the district to have full control over its budget and laws. The district has been forced to submit its budget and laws to Congress for approval in the 40 years that residents have elected their own mayor and city council.
Giving the district government the freedom to spend local tax dollars without Congressional approval has bipartisan support, but a bill has yet to pass. Norton has also pushed to end Congressional review of laws passed by the D.C. Council. Congress has only disapproved of three laws, the last more than 20 years ago.
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