Bowser declines to sign D.C. Council's budget

Mayor Muriel Bowser is declining to sign the budget passed by the D.C. Council, saying it spends too much on social programs the city can't afford.

Why it matters: Bowser's decision doesn't veto the budget plan, but it's a show of protest for what she predicts will create an "$837 million fiscal cliff" for the likely next mayor, Janeese Lewis George.

State of play: Bowser on Tuesday defended her original budget proposal, made in April, that closed a $1.1 billion budget gap through cuts to programs like a child care worker subsidy and reducing D.C.'s paid leave benefits.

"These were not easy choices," Bowser told the D.C. Council in a letter released by her office, "but they were responsible ones."

Months after her budget presentation, many of Bowser's biggest cuts were restored by the more progressive-leaning D.C. Council, partially through drawing down $150 million in reserve funds.

The intrigue: Bowser's refusal to endorse the budget could invite Congressional intervention, critics worry.

In their view, GOP House Oversight Chairman James Comer could point to Bowser's objections as a reason to tinker with the city's budget, which will be sent to Congress for review.

A similar dynamic unfolded three years ago, when Bowser vetoed the D.C. Council's criminal code reform bill. Hill Republicans ultimately led an effort to overturn it, with Democratic support.

Spokespersons for Comer and Council Chairman Phil Mendelson didn't comment.

The bottom line: Bowser believes D.C.'s worsening economic outlook — which she partly blames on "the painful effects of federal DOGE cuts" — calls for reducing spending.

Council members think the city can weather the downturn, but Congress may have a final say.