House Committee Advances Bill Limiting D.C.’s Ability to Raise Taxes

City officials say the measure would “straightjacket” their ability to govern D.C., while DoorDash faces criticism for supporting the bill.

James Comer

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer. Francis Chung/POLITICO/AP

A House committee approved a bill Wednesday that would broadly restrict D.C.’s ability to increase or decrease local taxes and fees, again highlighting Republicans’ aggressive interest in managing how the city runs — down to the dollars and cents it collects.

The bill passed the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on a party-line vote, sending it next to the full House for consideration. It faces much steeper odds if it gets to the Senate, though.

Speaking during a brief debate, committee Chair James Comer (R-Kentucky), who introduced the measure, said it would benefit residents and businesses and make the city more economically vibrant.