Trump backs DC budget fix, signals support for House vote

President Donald Trump is throwing his weight behind efforts to restore the $1.1 billion cut to DC’s funding in the just-passed CR, as reported by Politico. House Republicans unexpectedly, and some say inadvertently, cut the capital city's spending authority of its own tax dollars in recent legislation.

The Senate has already passed a Trump-endorsed bill that would reinstate the local funding. White House officials indicate Trump is prepared to leverage his influence with House Republicans, including potential direct appeals to members and social media engagement, to ensure the measure's passage.

House Speaker Mike Johnson faces the challenge of navigating the bill through potential opposition from hardline conservatives. The likely path forward involves a floor maneuver requiring a two-thirds majority vote.

The budget crisis emerged when routine language allowing DC to spend its local budget was omitted from recent funding legislation. While Republicans estimate the shortfall at $500 million, local officials warn that failure to pass the fix could force significant cuts to essential services including law enforcement and education.