DoorDash backs congressional bill that could strip Washington, D.C. of tax-making power

In July, the D.C. Council approved a 20-cent delivery fee aimed at financing programs such as free Instacart memberships for low-income residents and a nonprofit grocery store in Ward 8. DoorDash claimed the tax would disproportionately affect small businesses and working families, but its lobbying efforts did not succeed. The company then partnered with Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky) to introduce H.R. 9720, the D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act, which would require congressional approval for any future D.C. tax or fee changes, effectively ending home rule.

Civil-rights groups and D.C. officials warn the legislation would strip elected local officials of fiscal authority. In response, activists have started a #DeleteDoorDash campaign demanding the firm withdraw its support for the bill. The dispute underscores the broader debate over D.C. statehood and the vulnerability of the district to external corporate influence.