The Politics Hour: Supreme Court's birthright citizenship case and why the D.C. budget is delayed

What this episode covers

The Supreme Court heard arguments this week about limiting birthright citizenship, with President Trump in attendance. It's a case with far-reaching implications nationally and across the D.C. region. U.S. Representative and constitutional lawyer Jamie Raskin (D-MD) joined the show to explain the case and why judges appear to be leaning in one direction. Plus, we asked Rep. Raskin about the war in Iran and the redistricting push in the Maryland House of Delegates. Rep. Raskin said he supports redrawing the state's congressional maps and has lobbied Senate President Bill Ferguson to take up the measure.  "I have felt that to the extent we've been thrust into this position by Trump and MAGA, then we've got to fight back with everything we've got," he said.  The D.C. Council and Mayor Muriel Bowser are once again at odds after the council overrode a mayoral veto of a bill requiring federal law enforcement oversight. The council also agreed to allow enhanced youth curfew rules to expire this month, over the mayor's objections. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson discussed the friction between the legislative and executive branches. He also discussed why he thinks D.C. Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee is at fault for the Mayor's delay in delivering the budget. CFO Lee serves as the city’s independent financial chief. It’s his job to manage and oversee the city’s budget, including ensuring it is fiscally sound. This week, though, both the mayor and lawmakers criticized Lee for taking too long to complete his review of the mayor’s 2027 budget proposal and for overstepping his role. "The CFO's role is to account the numbers and determine whether the budget is balanced," Mendelson said on The Politics Hour. "Not to make rulings with regard to policy." The mayor is now expected to formally submit the budget to the council by April 14, two weeks late. Chair Mendelson also discussed the ethics complaint against him for using his government office for campaign activity.  Finally, as a member of the National Capital Planning Commission, Chair Mendelson shared his thoughts on President Trump's White House ballroom project. The commission approved the project this week, but a federal judge ruled the plan requires congressional approval. Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org