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HR 9720

D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act

119th Congress Introduced by Andy Biggs and 19 co-sponsors

Requires Congressional approval via joint resolution within 60 days for DC Acts related to title 47 or that impose/increase taxes or fees before they take effect.

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
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Bill Summary · HR 9720

Summary of H.R. 9720 (119th Congress) – D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act

  • Public title: D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act

  • Purpose: To require congressional approval via joint resolution for certain District of Columbia Acts, specifically those relating to title 47 of the D.C. Code or that impose or increase a tax or fee, before those Acts can take effect. The bill also modifies procedural timelines and debate requirements related to such congressional approvals.

Key provisions

  • Congressional approval requirement (new § 602(c)(3) – applied subset)

    • For any D.C. Act transmitted to Congress by the Chairman (as required under the DC Home Rule Act) that either:
    • is codified in title 47 of the D.C. Code, or
    • would impose or increase a tax or fee,
    • such Act shall not take effect at the end of the 60-day period after transmission unless a joint resolution approving the Act has been enacted into law during that window.
    • If a joint resolution approving the Act passes both Houses and is transmitted to the President within the 60-day window, the resolution, upon becoming law, is deemed to have approved the Act as of the date the resolution becomes law.
    • The expedited procedure for consideration of joint resolutions (existing DC Home Rule Act mechanics) applies to such an approving joint resolution.

  • Shortening debate for approved Acts

    • Section 604(h) of the DC Home Rule Act is amended to alter debate rules:
    • Debates on resolutions under this new provision (i.e., the 60-day approval process) are subject to a one-hour limit, with equal time for supporters and opponents.

  • Conforming and compatibility adjustments

    • Technical amendments are made to align cross-references in the DC Home Rule Act:
    • Paragraphs in § 602(c) and § 602(c)(1) are updated to incorporate the new subsection (3) and to reflect the integrated process for Acts that fall under the title 47/tax/fee criteria.

  • Applicability

    • The act and its amendments apply to Acts transmitted to Congress under § 602(c) of the DC Home Rule Act after the date of enactment.

Who is affected

  • District of Columbia acts that either:
    • are codified in title 47 of the D.C. Code, or
    • would impose or increase a tax or fee
  • The Federal Congress (both Houses) and the President, via the joint-resolution approval mechanism, for those specific DC acts.
  • Congressional and DC government workflows: the process would introduce a mandatory 60-day Congressional review period with potential expedited handling for joint resolutions.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Start of review window: When the Chairman transmits the affected D.C. Act to Congress (as currently required under § 602(c)).
  • 60-day review period: During this window, Congress must act to pass a joint resolution approving the Act for it to take effect.
  • If no approval within 60 days: the Act does not take effect.
  • Approved Act: If both Houses pass the joint resolution and it becomes law, it is deemed to approve the underlying Act retroactively as of the date the resolution becomes law.
  • Expedited procedure: The bill keeps the existing expedited consideration framework for joint resolutions, applying it to these approvals.
  • Debate limits: For the approving resolutions under the new provision, debate time is capped at one hour (divided evenly between supporters and opponents).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Increased congressional oversight over certain D.C. regulatory actions, particularly those involving fiscal measures (taxes/fees) or those under title 47 (various D.C. Code provisions).
  • Policy impact could slow or block DC tax/fee increases or title 47 reforms unless Congress approves via a joint resolution.
  • The mechanism creates a direct link between D.C. fiscal/legislative actions and federal legislative approval, reflecting a shift in the balance of authority for certain D.C. governance decisions.
  • Administrative impact on the DC Council and the District’s budgetary planning, due to the dependence on timely congressional action (60-day clock).

Note: This summary focuses on the bill’s stated text and legislative mechanics, not on any policy debates or broader political implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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