Treatment of D.C. in budget riles some

 WASHINGTON – The budget deal lawmakers struck to avoid a government shutdown was greeted by some with relief, but it has one city already reeling: the capital itself.

 City officials say Washington was used as a pawn last week’s budget bargaining, with new restrictions part of the price of a deal. Under the budget agreement reached Friday, the details of which are still uncertain, the city will likely be unable to spend city dollars on abortions for low-income women. It may also be banned from spending city money on needle exchange programs believed vital to curbing the spread of HIV in the city, where the disease is considered an epidemic. Also back: a school voucher program favored by Republicans.

 Angry that Congress appears ready to take away autonomy granted to the city in the last several years, Mayor Vincent Gray and six City Council members including the chairman were among 41 people arrested Monday outside the Capitol while protesting the changes that might be inevitable.

 They were cited for blocking the street with an unlawful assembly, a misdemeanor that can be resolved by paying a $50 fine.

Associated Press