Issa introduces new DC budget autonomy bill

A House Republican has introduced a new bill that would give the District of Columbia more control over its municipal budget.

The bill comes from Rep. Darrell Issa of California as a referendum approved by district voters to accomplish a similar goal, and is about to be added to the city charter.

Some House Republicans as well as city officials doubt whether the referendum has the force of law.

Issa has expressed discontent with the referendum, but supports budget autonomy for the district. The bill he introduced on Tuesday is his second attempt to achieve it.

The bill would allow the district to set its own fiscal year and to spend local tax dollars on its own if Congress decides not to approve the city budget.