The Hill News

Nearly 100 organizations from across the country sent a letter to House members Thursday, expressing their opposition to policy riders affecting Washington, D.C., in a fiscal year 2012 budget bill.

The advocacy, religious and political groups â€" including the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Jewish Committee and Democracy for America â€" joined with voting-rights group DC Vote to oppose the social policy riders in the FY12 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill.

Unveiled in June, the bill's riders would prevent the District from using local funds for abortion services. The bill would also deny funding for needle exchange and medical marijuana programs.

“Please work to end this disgrace rather than attack D.C.’s local democracy,” urged the groups, calling on lawmakers to oppose any effort to force Congress’s views on the District through the FY12 budget bill.

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