Norton Statement on Bill to Make Technical Changes to D.C.’s Budget Process

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) issued the following statement today on the introduction of a bill by Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) that would make important technical changes to the District of Columbia's budget process.

"The Chairman's bill makes technical changes that the city has sought to improve its operations: the D.C. government would no longer be subject to shutdowns, D.C. could set its own fiscal year, and D.C. could increase the maximum total compensation for the CFO (to $230,700, which is tied to the Vice President's salary) as requested by the CFO search committee in order to attract candidates. I support the intent of the Chairman's bill, but he and I have been in discussions, and he understands that my support is conditioned on an agreement yet to be reached on the final language of the bill. We are very pleased that the congressional review period for the budget autonomy referendum, approved overwhelmingly by D.C. voters in April, may expire as early as this week and that the referendum will become effective. The District is still determining the date of implementation. I will continue to defend the referendum from congressional action to overturn it."

Published: July 24, 2013