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Senate Considering D.C. Budget Autonomy Bill

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Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) has introduced a bill that would give D.C. more control over its municipal budget. 

Lieberman was joined by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) in introducing the District of Columbia Budget Autonomy Act of 2012 on Tuesday. 

The bill would allow the District to spend its local tax dollars without Congressional approval and to set its own fiscal year. It would ensure that the city government could continue functioning amid a federal shutdown. 

District leaders applauded the bill, with Mayor Vincent Gray calling it a "bold step." Local officials rejected a similar bill drafted last year by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) because it restricted the city's ability to fund abortions. 

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