H.R. 9720: D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act

The D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act (H.R. 9720) is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that seeks to increase congressional oversight over the District of Columbia's tax legislation. Currently, certain D.C. laws can become effective after a waiting period unless Congress actively disapproves them. This bill proposes that any D.C. law related to taxes or fees, specifically those codified in Title 47 of the D.C. Code or those imposing or increasing a tax or fee, cannot take effect unless Congress explicitly approves it within a 60-day review period. This means that instead of a tax law automatically becoming effective unless Congress blocks it, the law would require affirmative approval from Congress to be enacted. The bill also introduces expedited procedures for congressional review, including limiting debate on approval resolutions to one hour in each chamber, divided equally between supporters and opponents. These new rules would apply only to D.C. acts transmitted to Congress after the bill becomes law.

Supporters of the D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act argue that it reinforces Congress's constitutional responsibility over the nation's capital and prevents potential tax increases that could burden residents and businesses. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, the bill's sponsor, stated that the legislation is necessary to prevent the D.C. Council's fiscal policies from jeopardizing the city's future. He emphasized that higher taxes would not resolve the District's financial issues and that congressional oversight is essential to ensure responsible fiscal management. The bill is seen as a measure to protect taxpayers from potential tax hikes and to maintain economic stability in the District.

Critics of the D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act contend that it undermines the principles of home rule and self-governance for the District of Columbia. They argue that requiring congressional approval for local tax legislation diminishes the authority of D.C.'s elected officials and hampers their ability to address the city's unique fiscal challenges. Opponents also express concern that the bill could delay the implementation of necessary tax policies, potentially exacerbating the District's budget shortfall. Additionally, there is apprehension that the legislation sets a precedent for increased federal intervention in local affairs, which could have broader implications for the autonomy of the District.

While there are no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor's top donor industries and the subject matter of H.R. 9720, there are notable lobbying activities that could indicate potential conflicts of interest. For instance, Henkel of America Inc. has contributed $105,000, and the National Federation of State High School Associations has contributed a total of $15,000. Although these contributions do not directly correlate with the bill's focus on D.C. taxing authority, the presence of lobbying entities like Capitol Knowledge and Center Market Strategies suggests that there may be interests at play that are not fully disclosed. Voters should be aware that while the direct financial connections may appear limited, the influence of lobbyists and undisclosed contributions could still impact the legislative process.

Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.

Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026

Top industries funding James Comer, ranked by total contributions.

Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)