AFGE Local 1975 to Hold Senate Democrats Accountable for Betrayal of D.C. Residents

WASHINGTON - March 13, 2025 - PRLog -- By AFGE Local 1975

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1975, representing District government employees, will actively support primary challengers against any Senate Democrat who votes for the GOP's latest spending bill. This legislation, once again, undermines the will of D.C.'s unrepresented residents and strips away their right to self-governance.

"This is a slap in the face to the people of D.C.," said Joey Davis, President of AFGE Local 1975. "Senate Democrats who side with Republicans on this disgraceful bill are showing us exactly where their loyalties lie—not with the 700,000 residents of our nation's capital, but with those who believe we should remain second-class citizens. If they vote for this, they should expect a serious challenge in their next primary."

The proposed spending bill includes provisions that override D.C. laws, continuing a long history of federal interference in the affairs of a city that has no voting representation in Congress. This move, backed by Senate Republicans and now potentially some Democrats, further disenfranchises D.C. residents and disregards their right to self-determination.

"We have fought too long and too hard for self-determination to let so-called allies turn their backs on us," Davis continued. "If Senate Democrats think they can sell out D.C. and still count on our support, they've got another thing coming. We'll be in their states, knocking on doors, mobilizing voters, and backing primary challengers who actually believe in democracy."

D.C. generates and controls the vast majority of its own budget, with federal contributions making up less than 1% of total funding. Yet, time and time again, Congress abuses its authority over D.C. to override local decisions, making residents pawns in political games.

AFGE Local 1975 demands that Senate Democrats stand firm against this attack on democracy and warns that any who support it will face electoral consequences. The workers who keep this city running—and the residents they serve—deserve leaders who respect their rights, not politicians who compromise them away.

"This is a defining moment," Davis said. "Either Senate Democrats stand with D.C., or they stand against democracy itself. If they make the wrong choice, we'll make sure they answer for it."

For media inquiries, please contact:

Joey Davis
President, AFGE Local 1975
Phone: (586) 904 - 3991
Email: Joey.VPDMV.AFGELocal1975@gmail.com

About AFGE Local 1975
AFGE Local 1975 represents District of Columbia government employees, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the protection of public services that benefit all D.C. residents.