Statement from Councilmember Robert C. White Jr. on the Federal Occupation of Washington, D.C. and the Mayor’s Executive Order
WASHINGTON, DC — Washington, D.C. is under federal occupation. This is not normal. This is not acceptable. And I will not pretend otherwise. Masked agents are snatching people off the streets into unmarked cars. Parents are disappearing while their children are left behind, terrified. Workers are staying home out of fear, wondering how they will provide for their families. Immigrants and […]
Councilmember Robert White Announces Housing Committee Markup of the RENTAL Act
WASHINGTON, DC — The Council’s Committee on Housing will hold a markup of the Mayor’s Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act of 2025, a major legislative proposal that seeks to reshape how the District governs rental housing, eviction procedures, and tenant protections. While the RENTAL Act includes important goals around housing system […]
Councilmember Robert White Takes Stand Against Flawed Detention Policy, Urges Council to Prioritize Proven Public Safety Solutions
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, I introduced an amendment to the PEACE DC Omnibus legislation that removes provisions making the Secure DC expansion of pretrial detention permanent. Because we need to face the truth, it’s a lie that pretrial detention is not making us safer, it’s destabilizing our communities and disproportionately harming Black and Brown residents […]
Councilmember Robert White’s FY26 Housing Budget Priorities Put People First
This year’s budget season is one of the toughest we’ve seen in a long time. We’re facing a major deficit, and I know the choices we make now will shape who can afford to live in DC tomorrow. That’s why my housing budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2026 are focused on one thing: putting people […]
Statement from Councilmember Robert White on Housing Advocacy Sleep-In and Budget Deliberations
Washington, D.C. — This morning, I learned that residents and housing advocates, some of whom are directly impacted by homelessness, held a sleep-in at my office to voice their concerns and call for greater investment in critical housing programs. I hear them. I see them. I thank them for showing up. And I want them […]
Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. Returns from Taiwan Cultural Exchange Focused on Innovative Housing and Community Development
Washington, D.C. — Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr., Chair of the D.C. Council’s Committee on Housing, recently returned from a cultural and policy exchange trip to Taipei, Taiwan. The five-day visit, organized by Taiwan Sister Cities through the support of Hello Taiwan provided an in-depth look at Taipei’s innovative approaches to affordable housing, urban development, […]
Take Action: Stop Congress from Overriding D.C.’s Budget
Congress is moving forward with a bill that will override D.C.’s locally funded budget—forcing nearly $1 billion in mid-year cuts to public safety, schools, emergency services, and sanitation. This isn’t about reducing federal spending—it’s a blatant federal overreach that treats D.C. like a federal agency instead of a self-governing city. No other state or locality […]
Black History Month: Get to Know These Inspiring Black Washingtonians
Housing Committee Performance Oversight Schedule 2025
Each year the Council holds oversight hearings to do a deep dive and ensure DC agencies are doing their jobs effectively and meeting residents’ needs. I urge you to testify at one of the Housing Committee’s upcoming oversight hearings this year! Sharing your feedback and personal experience interacting with DC agencies is vital and will […]
Reflecting on Progress and Challenges: My First Council Period as Chair of the DC Council Housing Committee
As I conclude my first Council period as chair of the DC Council’s Housing Committee, I’m proud of the strides we’ve made in addressing housing challenges for our residents, while not shying away from the reality that there is so much more that needs to be done. When I took on this responsibility in January […]