< p>D.C Councilwoman Muriel Bowser wants to know why the city doesn't crack the whip more often at contractors who don't keep their word on city projects. She noted at a hearing Tuesday that the three people and entities currently suspended from contracting with the city are only on the list because the companies were placed under investigation.

Two of three of those suspensions will be lifted this year; the third will be lifted next year. Bowser's bill that would permanently bar contractors who violate the terms of their city contract twice.

"The District is left with projects that run behind schedule and over budget," Bowser said. "And it is the communities that are left to deal with this mess."

James Staton, the director of the D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement, testified at the hearing that he supported the bill's intent but he'd prefer the discretion of banning a contractor be left with him.