House Approves Aid Package for Capital

The financially troubled District of Columbia would get $928 million over five years in a rescue package approved by the House but Mayor Marion Barry would be stripped of much of his power in exchange. Barry denounced the compromise, part of a bill to balance the federal budget, as a “rape on democracy.” But Republican leaders said it was the only way to restore stability to the nation’s capital. Under the plan, the federal government would take over some major city functions, including running the courts and prisons, paying pensions and making most Medicaid payments. It is estimated the city would gain an extra $230 million in fiscal year 1998.