![Sen. Lieberman's Opening Markup Statement](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120928023423im_/http://img.youtube.com/vi/WvfQpXgOmxQ/0.jpg)
Sen. Lieberman's Opening Markup Statement
Sen. Lieberman: "It's almost as if we continue to act as a colonial power over the District... The District's budget has to come to us for approval. It has broad support, including members of both parties in the House to alter this and give the District budget autonomy. Senator Paul had filed some amendments, to be specific on abortion and gun control, which of course is his right, and the leadership of the District and their representation in the House, Del. Norton, decided that they would, given a choice of the D.C. Autonomy Bill with one of those amendments passed, they would choose not to take the risk at this time."