Mayor Bowser and Attorney General Racine Agree to Request Pause on Budget-Autonomy Appeal

Move Offers Mayor 30-Day Period to Review Position, Removes OAG from Representing Her

Washington, DC – Mayor Muriel Bowser and her attorneys, in consultation with Attorney General Karl A. Racine, today filed a motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit to hold in abeyance the District’s appeal of a lower federal court’s ruling against the DC Budget Autonomy Referendum. The referendum was approved by voters in 2013.

In addition, the unopposed motion notes the withdrawal of attorneys associated with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) from representing the Mayor in the appeal. The DC Circuit held arguments on the appeal October 17, prior to Mayor Bowser’s election. If granted, the effect of the motion for abeyance is to allow the Mayor and her counsel 30 days to review the case and her position.

OAG will continue to represent DC Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jeffrey DeWitt in the matter. A copy of the motion is attached.