Budget deal spares DC metro

Officials in Washington, Maryland and Virginia had argued that the funding was crucial to track improvements and rail-car replacements on the aging system that takes many federal staffers to work. Metro recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and is in the midst of a massive capital overhaul.

The two states and the District are each putting up $50 million to match the federal appropriation that was preserved by the budget deal.

The budget deal takes other whacks at Washington though, including requiring vouchers for Washington schools and banning the use of D.C. money for anything related to abortions.

The provision prompted a protest in front of the Capitol on Monday afternoon by Washington Mayor Vincent Gray and the D.C. City Council. Gray and members of the council were arrested for holding up traffic.