GOP Effort to Block DC Tax Law Advances in Congress

House passes measure to disapprove of DC law that severs ties to federal tax changes

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Congressional Republicans have taken steps to invalidate a local Washington, DC, tax law that severs the district's tax code from portions of the GOP's 2025 federal tax-and-spending legislation, including new tax breaks for tips and overtime. The House passed a resolution (H.J. Res 142) to disapprove of the DC law in a 215-210 vote, and a Senate committee has approved a similar resolution, sending the issue to the Senate floor for possible consideration.

Why it matters

This effort by congressional Republicans highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and the District of Columbia over tax policy. DC has long sought greater autonomy in setting its own tax laws, while Republicans in Congress have sought to maintain federal control over certain aspects of the district's tax code.

The details

The DC law in question severs the district's tax code from portions of the GOP's 2025 federal tax-and-spending legislation, including new tax breaks for tips and overtime. The House passed a resolution (H.J. Res 142) to disapprove of this DC law in a 215-210 vote, and a Senate committee has approved a similar resolution, sending the issue to the Senate floor for possible consideration.

  • On February 5, 2026, the House passed the resolution to disapprove of the DC tax law.
  • Earlier on February 5, 2026, a Senate committee approved a similar resolution.

The players

Congress

The legislative branch of the federal government, which is attempting to invalidate a local Washington, DC, tax law.

Washington, DC

The local government of the District of Columbia, which passed a tax law that severs the district's tax code from portions of the GOP's 2025 federal tax-and-spending legislation.

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What’s next

The Senate will now consider the resolution to disapprove of the DC tax law, which only requires a simple-majority vote to pass.

The takeaway

This ongoing dispute between Congress and DC over tax policy highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between the federal government and the district, which has long sought greater autonomy in setting its own laws and regulations.