"The [D.C. Council's] approach would rob D.C. residents of new tax cuts, thereby increasing taxes on families, seniors, and small businesses," says Rep. Virginia Foxx. "By passing this disapproval, we can strike down Democrat-imposed tax hikes."
This week the House is expected to vote on a resolution that would repeal a D.C. bill that decoupled the city's tax code from some of the tax changes Republicans made last year. City officials say that if it passes Congress, it would cost D.C. $600 million over four years.
Technically, the council's bill decoupling the city's tax code from the federal one wouldn't actually increase taxes for D.C. residents. It would just maintain the status quo. (The Republican tax cuts hadn't yet taken effect in D.C.)
Democrat Rep. Jim McGovern criticizes the Republican disapproval resolution, calling it "another crummy bill to strip the District of even more autonomy."
"It is shameful," he says. "This Republican-led Congress tries to micromanage their budget and their lives, and it’s wrong."
NEWS: In a letter to congressional leaders, D.C. CFO Glen Lee says that if Congress repeals a D.C. bill decoupling the city's tax code from some of the Republican tax changes, he may have to suspend tax filing season — possibly for several months.
The council passed its bill late last year, giving the CFO time to adjust tax-filing instructions. Tax-filing season kicked off on January 26, so any changes caused by Congress would require the CFO to redo all the instructions and forms. Tax-filing could be delayed until fall.
Lee also warns that any repeal of the D.C. bill could lead to "cash flow disruptions" amounting to $400 million.
Recall that last year Congress created a $1 billion hole in the city's budget. This new measure would create a $400 million hole, and create chaos in tax-filing.
In a separate letter to congressional leaders,
@mayorbowser.dc.gov and
@chmnmendelson.bsky.social push back against the Republican effort to repeal a D.C. bill that decouples the city's tax code from its federal counterpart. They say it would create "huge administrative challenges" for taxpayers.
In a back-and-forth in the House Rules Committee this evening over the Republican disapproval resolution, Rep. McGovern asked Rep. James Comer a number of detailed questions about D.C.'s budget. (Size of the overall budget, size of the capital budget, etc.) Comer didn't respond.
"You’re coming here not knowing the first thing about D.C.’s budget process and fiscal situation, and Republicans in Congress think they know better than D.C.’s elected officials about these very technical local tax and budget decisions," said McGovern.
"But blowing a huge hole in their budget? Seriously? You guys can’t even manage the federal budget, which is your actual job," said McGovern to Comer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, which oversees D.C.
Feb 3, 2026 00:51
