A bill introduced by House Republicans that would require congressional approval for any changes to Washington, D.C.’s tax code advanced out of the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, sparking opposition from District officials and local lawmakers. The measure aims to limit the District’s ability to implement tax policies without first securing affirmative votes in both chambers of Congress.
Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky), who chairs the committee and sponsored the bill, criticized the incoming D.C. mayor and portions of the D.C. Council for pursuing tax increases, describing their approach as excessive. Comer specifically referenced council member Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), the winner of the Democratic mayoral primary, who campaigned on a business activity tax to help finance universal child care. Council member Brianne K. Nadeau (D-Ward 1) recently proposed a 3 percent tax on the highest earners in the city.
Local officials have strongly opposed the legislation. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) called it “the most consequential reduction in D.C. home rule in modern history” and vowed to fight its progress. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) warned that the bill would leave the District unable to recover from economic setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, federal remote work policies, and other challenges. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) pointed out in a letter to Comer that Congress already holds veto power over changes to the District’s tax laws through a 30-day review period mandated by the Home Rule Act, but argued the new bill would unnecessarily insert Congress into the day-to-day affairs of the city.
Supporters of the bill argue it provides necessary oversight of tax proposals they contend would strain businesses and residents. Comer accused District leaders of planning taxation policies that could stifle economic growth and burden residents. The legislation would require explicit congressional approval before any alteration to D.C.’s tax code could take effect, adding an additional layer of federal involvement.
Observers note that since Republicans gained control of the House in 2022, Congress has taken several actions limiting District autonomy, including blocking a local crime bill and contributing to a $1.1 billion budget shortfall. Some analysts see the current effort as part of a broader pattern aimed at restricting policymaking in the predominantly Democratic city. George Derek Musgrove, a history professor at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, described the steps as punitive, designed to starve the District of resources and hinder governance.
The bill is also receiving backing from some private sector groups. Food delivery company DoorDash has expressed support, citing concerns over a recently passed delivery fee enacted by the D.C. Council without public hearings. This position has drawn criticism from local activists, some of whom have called for boycotts of the platform.
As the bill moves toward a potential full House vote, the debate over the District’s fiscal autonomy and the scope of congressional oversight remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader tensions between local self-governance and federal authority.