DC ROADS Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 20, 2026
Bottom line
The DC ROADS Act would prevent the District of Columbia from implementing any form of congestion pricing, asserting federal authority over local D.C. transportation and revenue policy.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the District of Columbia Council from enacting and the Mayor from enforcing any congestion toll. It defines a congestion toll as any charge for entry into or passing through a congestion tolling zone, which includes all roadways, bridges, tunnels, approaches, or ramps within or entering D.C. The bill also amends the D.C. Home Rule Act to explicitly add this prohibition to the list of limitations on D.C.'s legislative authority, thereby codifying the restriction into the foundational law governing D.C.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that congestion tolls disproportionately burden commuters, especially those from lower-income households who may not have alternative transportation options, and that such tolls are an unfair tax on essential travel. They contend that this bill protects residents and visitors from what they view as an oppressive surcharge, ensuring free access to the nation's capital. Furthermore, they may argue that D.C. is a federal district and Congress has ultimate authority over its governance, justifying federal intervention in local policy decisions that impact federal workers and national interests.
Opponents contend
Opponents would argue that this bill represents an unwarranted federal intrusion into local self-governance, undermining the District's Home Rule authority to manage its own transportation and revenue policies. They would contend that congestion pricing is a proven strategy to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and generate revenue for public transit and infrastructure, and that D.C. should have the autonomy to implement such measures if it deems them beneficial for its residents and environment. Critics might also point out that D.C. residents lack full representation in Congress, making such federal mandates particularly undemocratic.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core intent and provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition on Congestion Toll in District of Columbia
This section directly forbids the District of Columbia's legislative body (the Council) from passing any law or regulation that would create a congestion toll. It also prohibits the Mayor of D.C. from enforcing any such toll. This means D.C. cannot charge drivers for entering or passing through specific congested areas, effectively removing congestion pricing as a policy option for the local government.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision protects drivers, particularly those with lower incomes, from additional financial burdens and ensures access to the capital remains free of new charges. They believe it prevents D.C. from implementing a regressive tax and maintains affordability for those who rely on personal vehicles.
Critics contend
Opponents contend this provision strips D.C. of a critical tool for managing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and generating revenue for public transportation, thereby hindering local efforts to address urban challenges. They view it as an infringement on local autonomy and a setback for modern urban planning.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to protect drivers from new fees against the District's ability to implement urban planning strategies and generate revenue for infrastructure and transit. It also highlights the tension between federal oversight and local self-governance in D.C.
Section 2(b)
Conforming Amendment to Home Rule Act
This section modifies the existing District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which outlines the powers and limitations of the D.C. government. It adds a new paragraph to Section 602(a), explicitly stating that the D.C. Council cannot enact any requirement that imposes a congestion toll. This codifies the prohibition directly into the foundational law governing D.C.'s legislative authority, making it a permanent restriction unless further federal action is taken.