Scoop: House Republicans press D.C. mayor to legalize Waymo

Zoom in: The Republicans wrote in a letter to Bowser last week, "This is no longer an emerging technology" — pointing to Waymo operations in 11 cities. "Our capital should be at the forefront of these breakthroughs."

• It's signed by Reps. Andy Biggs, Abraham Hamadeh and Nick Langworthy.
• In advocating for driverless cars, Biggs and co. allude to President Trump's increased involvement in the District: "We want to make Washington the greatest capital city in the world."
• Bowser's spokesperson didn't return Axios' request for comment.

Catch up quick: A D.C. Council bill unveiled in April would regulate robotaxis and charge companies a "vehicle miles traveled" fee. The legislation could see a vote in the fall.

• Waymo and Zoox are testing in D.C. — with a driver at the wheel.

• Companies want to advance into driverless testing, but the Bowser administration hasn't issued those permits.
• DDOT is also years behind on a promised report about robotaxi implementation — now expected sometime this summer.

The intrigue: A DDOT analysis from April said that AV companies would benefit from getting robotaxis onto D.C. streets, especially as it tries to win more support on Capitol Hill for a nationwide expansion.

What's next: The lawmakers asked Bowser to present a "clear and ambitious implementation timeline" to the House Oversight Committee by July 5.