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Dear Neighbors,
This week, I led a group of seven Councilmembers in a meeting with US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. This was the first of several meetings planned with members of Congress as the President’s emergency declaration and the attempts to chip away at DC’s Home Rule continues. We were there to discuss three things:
1. Ensuring the President’s emergency declaration does not extend beyond 30 days (September 10) and that the deployment of National Guard troops ceases;
2. Ensuring that any Continuing Resolution agreed to before the September 30 deadline include language to allow DC to spend its LOCAL dollars at FY26 spending levels; and
3. Rejecting legislation that will soon come before the House Oversight Committee that further infringes on DC’s autonomy.
It was a fruitful conversation and one that was timely. Shortly after leaving our meeting with Leader Jeffries, I got hold of the list of 14 bills that the House Oversight Committee plans to markup as soon as next week. Many do not even have bill numbers or text yet, just summaries of what they hope to accomplish. And the topics range the gamut – from requiring a 60-day congressional review of all legislation from DC (current law is 30-day review for most bills, with 60-day for changes to criminal law), to providing Congress with a line item veto for DC measures (this may also include the budget), to requiring cash bail for even lower level crimes, to repealing the Incarceration Reduction Act and record sealing laws, to imposing fines or imprisonment for being homeless, to lowering the age that a juvenile can be tried as an adult to 14 years old, to expanding private school vouchers in DC, to repealing DC’s ability to elect its Attorney General – the position would instead be appointed by the President without Senate confirmation. Yes, there is even more.
I do not have enough space in this newsletter to tell you all how harmful, poorly reasoned, difficult to implement, and absolutely bonkers some of these bills are. Maybe we will do a special edition next week, but that would be difficult since there is NO BILL TEXT for the majority of these bills yet. As a policy wonk, I feel this is such a terrible way to legislate. And as a DC resident and federal taxpayer, I’m infuriated that members of Congress have the ability to even consider these bills without a single hearing, absolutely no findings or analysis, and that DC will have not a single vote in the matter. This is not democracy! It’s also not smart. More on these bills certainly to come.
Councilmembers met with Leader Jeffries at the Capitol on September 3
On the public health front, I watched portions of yesterday’s Senate Finance Committee hearing with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. After a slew of firings and resignations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), questionable replacements to key public health advisory Committees, and sudden changes to vaccine eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 vaccine, I deeply understand the concerns of those who work in or generally care about public health. Eight states in the Northeast and now four states on the West coast have already formed regional coalitions to prep for uncertainties and challenges that may arise as a result of decisions by the Trump Administration. Some of you have asked, what is DC’s plan?
This week, I’ve had conversations with the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and with the director of DC Health. They are in conversations with public health officials in our region about how to further increase interstate collaboration as the federal government seems to be departing from scientific consensus on immunization messaging. My staff is also readying legislation to be voted on by the Council on September 17 that will hopefully remedy the barrier residents are currently facing to access COVID-19 vaccines at DC pharmacies. We are also evaluating what other legislative changes may be necessary.
I know that every day feels like there are 40 new fights. I appreciate how many of you have been showing up and engaging. We’re certainly going to need your continued energy in the days and weeks ahead.
The work continues….
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
Coffee with Councilmember Henderson
For informal conversation with Councilmember Henderson, please join her for coffee at 9:30am on Tuesday, September 9, at Büna Coffeehouse, 4400 Georgia Avenue NW.
Join Us for a Nats Game!
Join Councilmember Henderson for a Nats game on Saturday, September 27, at 4pm. Tickets are free. To reserve tickets, please complete the form here. You must be able to accept the tickets via email and download the MLB Ballpark app on your phone to use the tickets.
Clapping in Our Students
Councilmember Henderson and her staff began the 2025 school year by joining several DCPS schools across the District on Monday, August 25, as they "clapped in" students and wished them a start to a new and successful school year.
Truesdell Elementary School's Modernization
On Thursday, August 28, Councilmember Henderson participated in the ribbon cutting for Truesdell Elementary School celebrating the completion of modernization. A joint effort from Mayor Muriel Bowser, DC Public Schools, DC Department of General Services, Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, Chancellor of DCPS Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee, Principal Tracy Foster, and Blue Skye Construction allowed this success.
Meeting with House Leader
As discussed above, on Wednesday, September 3, Councilmember Henderson joined several colleagues in a meeting at the Capitol with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss the surge of federal law enforcement, upcoming legislation being considered by Congress, and the importance of Home Rule and DC's autonomy.
Addressing Public Health Needs
On Thursday, September 4, Councilmember Henderson toured the DC Health and Wellness Center at 77 P Street NE and met with staff. The center offers testing and provides medical care for sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis.
MSNBC with Reverend Al Sharpton
On Saturday, August 23, Councilmember Henderson joined Reverend Al Sharpton on MSNBC to discuss the federal deployment in the District of Columbia. Councilmember Henderson emphasized that when men and women of the National Guard are deployed it should be of a mission worthy of their bravery. It should not be for partisan politics and for the show of force currently occurring in the District.
Podcast Explores the Authoritarian Surge
Councilmember Henderson joined The Tent podcast from the Center for American Progress Action Fund with host Colin Seeberger on Tuesday, September 2, to discuss the impact of the federal surge on local residents and the greater implications for the country. Find a link to the podcast here.
DC braces for funding fight in Congress amid Trump crackdown, Aris Folley for the Hill, 08/24/2025
West Porch Fridays
Union Station is proud to introduce West Porch Fridays, taking place every Fridaythis summer (June 27th – September 26th) from 11:30am – 3:30pm. West Porch Fridays is a curated farmer’s market, featuring local makers and growers, a variety of music and more! Each week will bring something new and different to this historic venue.
Hillcrest Neighborhood Walking Tour
Join the DC History Center with neighborhood expert, historian and 29 year, Ward 7 resident Jim Byers to learn about the history of this lesser-known neighborhood!
Learn about the history of the neighborhood, who lives there, and the access and transportation inequities which make Hillcrest feel "remote" to those west of the river. This tour is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Our priority audience is Hillcrest residents, both new and longtime neighbors, but we welcome all guests. The tour takes place on September 6 from 10:30am to 12:30pm, participants will meet at 32nd Street Southeast & Camden Street SE.
You can RSVP for this event, here. Registration is free but required to participate.
2025 Late Skate
Come get your skate on! Join APACC, Friends of Anacostia Park, the LinkUP DC and the National Park Service for a day of music, recreation and kinship in DC's most storied skating venue. Saturdays from 4:00pm to 10:00pm at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion (1500 Anacostia Drive). Free skate rentals!
Dates
Art All Night
September 12 – 13, DC Collaborative presents Art All Night in partnership with multiple neighborhoods throughout the District. Bring your entire family to experience interactive crafts and activities, live performances, and shop directly from local artists. From kids to grandparents, everyone will find something to love and something to learn from the creative changemakers that shape our community! Find a list of participating main streets and partner locations, here
Have a constituent service need related to the Health Committee or any of the other agencies in DC Government? Want Councilmember Henderson to come to your community event or meeting? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Constituent Services Director Ana Berrios-Vazquez during regular business hours (9:00am - 5:30pm) at 202-724-8105, or ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov.
How to File a Police Complaint
The Office of Police Complaints (OPC) provides a variety of ways to file a police misconduct complaint. A completed, signed complaint form must be received within 90 days of the date of the incident. Please note that OPC only has jurisdiction over incidents that occur in the District of Columbia and involve Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.) and D.C. Housing Authority Police Department officers.
OPC investigates the following allegations: harassment; use of unnecessary or excessive force; use of language or conduct that is insulting, demeaning, or humiliating; discriminatory treatment; retaliation for filing a complaint with OPC; and failure to wear or display required identification or identify oneself by name and badge number when requested to do so by a member of the public
File a complaint online by clicking here. Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to file a complaint with OPC.
You can also download a complaint form. Forms can be submitted:
You can pick up a complaint form at the locations below:
For more information, call (202) 727-3838, M-F, 8:30am - 5:00pm or toll-free anytime at 866-588-0569
Student Loan Support, Counseling and Resources
The Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman (OSLO) will be hosting drop-in hours for residents throughout the summer. The remaining session is on Tuesday, September 9, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking headquarters (1050 First St NE, Suite 801). The Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman recently recorded a webinar addressing loan default and delinquency which can be viewed, here.
Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2025
It is estimated falls happen every second for adults over 65. While the statistics are alarming, DC community leaders are determined to change that during Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2025. From September 22 to 25, 2025, the DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), AARP DC, Howard University, University of the District of Columbia, The George Washington University, Trinity Washington University, Home Care Partners, and others will host four days of free, public events aimed at raising awareness and decreasing the risk of falls in the community.
Each day will be hosted by a different university and feature health screenings such as strength, vision, balance, and medication, along with demonstrations on home safety, fall recovery techniques, and simple exercises that can lower fall risk. The events are open to the public and completely free.
OST Family Survey
Do the District of Columbia afterschool and summer program options meet your students’ and family’s needs?
If you are a parent/guardian of a school-aged child or youth (K-12th Grade) living in the District of Columbia, we want to hear from you! The D.C. Deputy Mayor for Education’s Out of School Time Office would like to understand your needs, interests, and any barriers to your child's participation in afterschool and/or summer programming, for the purpose of continuous improvement. Please take a moment to share your anonymous feedback here.
¿Las opciones de programas extracurriculares y de verano del Distrito de Columbia satisfacen las necesidades de sus estudiantes y de su familia?
Si usted es padre/madre/tutor de un niño o joven en edad escolar (K–12º grado) que vive en el Distrito de Columbia, ¡queremos escuchar su opinión! La Oficina de Tiempo Fuera de la Escuela del Vicealcalde de Educación de D.C. desea comprender sus necesidades, intereses y cualquier barrera para la participación de su hijo/a en programas extracurriculares y/o de verano, con el fin de lograr una mejora continua. Por favor, tómese un momento para compartir aquí sus comentarios anónimos.
Get the DC DMV App
DC DMV has made it easier for you to "Skip-the-Trip" with several new updates to our mobile app! DC DMV allows access to several online services for the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, including the following: