LEADERS WITH
COMMON SENSE

H.R. 9720 would give federal lawmakers a new veto over local fiscal decisions and further weaken the democratic rights of District residents. The bill is broader than its title suggests. H.R. 9720 would prevent many changes to the District's tax code from taking effect unless both chambers of Congress pass a joint resolution of approval and the president signs it. The House Oversight Committee advanced the bill today, July 22, 2026. This reverses the current presumption of home rule by allowing congressional inaction alone to kill local legislation. CommonSense Democrats unequivocally opposes this legislation. Under this proposal, the elected government of Washington, D.C., could debate legislation, pass it, fund it and send it to Congress, only to have it die because federal lawmakers from across the country simply refused to act. That is not responsible oversight. It is the deliberate obstruction of local democracy. The people of Washington, D.C., pay federal and local taxes, serve in the military, operate businesses, raise families and contribute to the economic strength of this country. Yet members of Congress who do not live in the District, do not answer to its voters and will not experience the consequences of their decisions are attempting to take control of the city's most fundamental governing authority. Supporters have presented this bill as a response to potential tax increases. The actual legislation reaches much further. It applies to acts involving Title 47 of the D.C. Code, potentially placing decisions concerning taxes, fees, exemptions, reductions and other fiscal policies at the mercy of Congress and the president. Congress already possesses extraordinary authority over the District. H.R. 9720 would transform that authority into a permanent veto over local fiscal policy, weaken the ability of elected officials to manage the city's finances and create uncertainty for residents, businesses and public services. CommonSense Democrats believes government should be accountable to the people most directly affected by its decisions. District residents elect a mayor and council to make difficult choices concerning revenue, spending and public services. Those officials should be judged by D.C. voters, not overruled by politicians from Kentucky, Texas, Florida or any other state. We call on every member of the House and Senate to reject H.R. 9720 and defend the principle that taxation and representation must go together. Washington, D.C., is a community, not a political laboratory. Its residents deserve the same dignity, democratic respect and right to self-government that Americans everywhere expect for themselves.