An open letter to the President & U.S. Congress; State Governors & Legislatures
Oppose Federal Overreach—Protect Local & State Governance, Save DC
19 so far! Help us get to 25 signers!
I urge you to oppose efforts to impose drastic budget cuts on Washington, D.C., which would set a dangerous precedent for federal overreach into local and state governance. The reported plan to cap D.C.’s budget at 2024 levels—mandating a $1.1 billion reduction—is not just an attack on the city but a broader threat to state and municipal autonomy. Congress should reject any attempt to include this measure in the continuing resolution (CR) or budget negotiations.
This move mirrors a pattern of executive overreach, including efforts to unilaterally control federal funding and consolidate power within the executive branch. Legal experts warn that such actions undermine the separation of powers and erode democratic safeguards. If Congress allows this to pass, it could set a precedent for future administrations to dictate state and city budgets under the guise of federal authority.
I ask you to take the following actions:
• Ensure that no provision capping D.C.’s budget is included in the CR or upcoming federal budget. Do not allow this dangerous precedent to be set.
• Publicly oppose this federal overreach and reaffirm state and local rights to self-governance.
• Work with state-level leaders to challenge this move, as similar tactics could be used to limit state budgets in the future.
This isn’t just about D.C.—it’s about preventing an autocratic shift where the federal government can dictate financial policy for any city or state. I urge you to act now to stop this attack on local governance.