A Republican-controlled House committee voted to advance legislation that would dramatically expand Congress’ control over the District’s tax laws, prompting Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) to call the measure “the most consequential rollback of D.C.’s home rule authority in modern history.”

Legislation Details

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved the D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act on a 23-18 vote, sending the measure to the House floor. If enacted, the legislation would require Congress to affirmatively approve changes to the District’s tax code before they could take effect, replacing the current system under which tax measures become law unless Congress passes a resolution blocking them during a review period.

Republicans said the legislation is intended to protect District taxpayers from additional taxes and fees as city leaders consider new revenue options to address budget pressures. Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) argued that local leaders have relied too heavily on tax increases to fund government spending.

Supporters pointed to the D.C. Council’s upcoming discussions on new revenue proposals and its recent approval of a 20-cent tax on food deliveries as evidence that Congress should exercise greater oversight over the District’s taxing authority.

Opposition and Concerns

Opponents countered that the proposal reaches well beyond tax increases. Norton said the legislation would also prevent the District from reducing or eliminating taxes without congressional approval and would apply to much more than tax rates alone.

Mayor Muriel Bowser also warned that the legislation would limit the city’s ability to respond to changing economic conditions by preventing tax reductions as well as tax increases.

Civil rights advocates also condemned the legislation, with Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia, stating that the bill would erode local representation and expand federal control over the District’s tax dollars.

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.