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Dear Neighbors,
Did you know that a group of rats is called a “mischief”? They are certainly earning that name in the District these days. Whether you’ve noticed new holes in your trash containers, burrows in a sidewalk tree box, or actually seen one or several rodents run across your path, it’s likely that you’ve noticed that the District’s rodent population is reaching new levels. And you’re not wrong—the District has one of the fastest rodent population growths of any major urban area in the country.
Besides the beautiful monuments and unmatched culture, why do rats love DC so much? Hard to know. But we do know a main reason why we’ve had difficulty containing the problem –easy access to food. Open or overflowing trash cans, discarded takeout containers, and other unsecured food waste makes for an all-you-can-eat buffet for rodents. While several District agencies, including DC Health, Department of Public Works, and Department of Buildings, all play a role in rodent management, residents, businesses and property owners can also significantly reduce rodent populations by properly disposing of food waste.
Because rodent problems are persisting, residents are more frequently turning to rodenticides purchased online or at hardware stores that, when applied improperly, are not effective at reducing rodent populations. These rodenticides do, however, pose significant health risks to residents, particularly children, as well as to pets and endangered wildlife. As I’ve previously noted, one local hospital reported 12 cases of pediatric hospitalization tied to rodenticide exposure in the past year. Pets and wildlife are also susceptible to ingesting and being poisoned by rodenticides, particularly owls, hawks, and other birds of prey. City Wildlife has reported that roughly 85% of its intake over the past year have tested positive for rodenticides.
My team and I are taking the rat problem seriously and have taken several steps to address the problem. In the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, we dedicated $200,000 for rodent-proof trash receptacles in public spaces and Department of Parks and Recreation properties in high traffic areas. We also secured a subtitle in the Budget Support Act (and accompanying funding!) that will ensure the upcoming capital modernization projects for DC Public Schools and the Department of Parks and Recreation will include upgraded rodent-proof trash receptacles. This is a down payment on the permanent bill I introduced in March the Public Trash and Recycling Container Budgeting Act of 2026.
I was also pleased to introduce the Rodent Education and Management Yields Results (“REMY”) Amendment Act of 2026, named after everyone’s favorite protagonist from the Disney Pixar movie “Ratatouille”. This legislation proposes to both strategically decrease food sources for rodents, while protecting residents from the health risks associated with untrained application of rodenticides. Specifically, this bill proposes to:
On Monday, July 13, the Committee on Health and the Committee on Public Works and Operations held a joint public hearing on the REMY Act and the Rodent Abatement and Transparency (RAT) Amendment Act of 2025, authored by Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George. Over the five-hour hearing, we heard from passionate public witnesses and government witnesses about the challenges for controlling the rodent population, the public health risks of rodenticides, and evidence-based strategies to better manage rodents. Also, this week, my staff are attending the Rodent and Vector Control Academy, hosted by DC Health, to hear from rodentologists, public health experts, and ANC Commissioners about the newest strategies and interventions to control rats.
As the Council begins its summer recess, my team and I will be reviewing the hearing testimony, Rodent Academy presentations, and other research, so we can be ready to move a bill forward in the fall that takes meaningful steps to reduce rodent populations in the District. Trust me, we’ve already learned A LOT.
In the meantime, if you are wondering what you can do to help, please consider:
In other news, the DC Council has officially entered summer recess until September 15. During recess, there will be no new legislation introduced, no hearings on legislation or oversight, and most offices have adjusted in-person hours. My team, specifically, will be in person at the John A. Wilson building Monday through Wednesday, but available online throughout the week. Feel free to contact us as usual if you need assistance or would like to schedule a meeting. Also, please bring your kids and join us at the National Building Museum for their new PLAYGROUND exhibit from 2:00 to 4:30pm on Friday, July 31. See you there!
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
On Wednesday, July 8, the Committee on Health held a markup and advanced the following bills:
All of these bills were approved by the full Council on first reading on Tuesday, July 14.
The same day, the Committee on Health held a public roundtable on the topic of Maternal and Infant Health: Continued Challenges in Addressing Coverage and Care in the District. Councilmember Henderson heard from maternal health professionals, including doulas, midwives, OBGYNs, and DC Health officials about continuing obstacles to securing doula services, increased morbidity and mortality rates for pregnancy and postpartum patients, and the importance of nutrition as a core element of maternal health. Witness testimony highlighted concerns regarding insurance coverage through Alliance, the importance of the quality-of-care patients receive, and the rate of pregnancy diabetes doubling in a four-year period. The roundtable raised questions about DC Health’s implementation of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of DC’s recommendation to expand the number of social workers in hospitals to support new patients, their use of the WIC Program to reach pregnant individuals and infants to improve health outcomes, and how they are working to address the lack of standardized data sharing or transfer agreements that ensure a patient’s prenatal record follows them into a hospital delivery and back into postpartum care.
On Tuesday, July 7, the DC Council held its third and final budget vote and unanimously passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act (BSA) of 2026.The budget included substantial investments in education, health care access, behavioral health services, public health infrastructure, new funding and policy changes to housing, and provisions affecting transportation and infrastructure.
On Monday, July 13, Councilmember Henderson attended the public hearing on the Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Authorization Amendment Act of 2026, which would establish a Commercial Autonomous Vehicles Program within the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) allowing for certain autonomous vehicles to transport passengers and goods in the District. Councilmember Henderson heard testimony from trial lawyers and disability advocates regarding changes they suggested to the bill, including ways to improve legal and consumer protections for autonomous vehicle riders and ensure equitable access to the vehicles for riders of all abilities.
On Tuesday, July 14, the DC Council passed the Restricting Egregious Scalping Against Live Entertainment (RESALE) Act, which would introduce a price cap on secondary ticket sales at ten percent above the ticket price with a maximum fee allowance of 10% –meaning that the most a consumer can pay for a ticket, with fees, is 120 percent of its face value. The bill also bans the practice of speculative ticket sales (selling tickets that the seller does not actually possess) and requires bonding and registration from high-volume resellers.
YMCA’s DC Youth & Government
On Tuesday, July 7, Councilmember Henderson met with YMCA’s Youth and Government rising high school seniors to discuss their legislative proposals and visions for the future of our city. The YMCA’s Youth and Government program aims to empower youth to become ethical leaders and responsible citizens through training in the theory and practice of making public policy.
DCPS’ New Interim Chancellor
On Wednesday, July 8, Councilmember Henderson met with the Interim Chancellor of DCPS, Dr. Kim Jackson. Dr. Jackson was previously named DCPS’ principal of the year in 2015 and has served in positions throughout the education sector supporting literary initiatives and implementing new curriculum.
Food & Friends Breaks Ground
On Monday, July 13, Councilmember Henderson attended the groundbreaking for Food & Friends building expansion and renovation. The expansion will add 17,000 square feet to allow for a larger meal production kitchen, expanded volunteer space, improve client and nutrition services, and double the number of medically tailored meals the organization is able to prepare and deliver. The Committee on Health’s contribution of $1.5M over three years was allocated in direct support of the agency’s expansion and goals.
Meeting with SBOE Student Interns
On Wednesday, July 15, Councilmember Henderson met with State Board of Education student interns to discuss feedback on ways to improve the school environment including college readiness opportunities, additional mental health resources, and tastier school lunches.
Ward Days at the National Building Museum
This summer, the National Building Museum (401 F St NW, Washington) is celebrating Washington, DC neighborhoods through Ward Days at THE PLAYGROUND.
Residents from each ward are invited to enjoy complimentary admission to both THE PLAYGROUND and the National Building Museum during designated Friday afternoons throughout the summer. Visitors can explore the Museum's immersive summer installation, enjoy Museum exhibitions, and experience special guests and community partners representing neighborhoods from across the District.
Ward Days take place Fridays from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Visitors simply check in at the Museum's Visitor Center. No advance registration or proof of residency is required.
Learn more: https://nbm.org/exhibitions/the-playground/
Join Your Local Trash Club
Have you ever wanted to beautify your community with your friends? Well, that’s exactly what the Northwest Trash Club is all about! Serving Northwest DC, the club meets every Wednesday at a new location and provides trash bags, gloves, and good times. Volunteers will pick trash for 45 minutes and then reconvene at a nearby location. Check out their Instagram page to see past meetups and stay tuned for future dates.
Jazzy Sundays in Anacostia is Back
Sundays just got a whole lot smoother. Jazzy Sundays in Anacostia is back for its second season! Join the Anacostia BID and DCity Smokehouse every Sunday from July 12 through August 30 for FREE live jazz, delicious BBQ, refreshing drinks, and great community vibes. Jazz sessions take on Sundays from 4:00pm t0 6:00pm at 1234 Marion Barry Ave SE.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends, then sit back and enjoy live performances from returning favorites and new artists. The season wraps up Labor Day weekend with the return of the Jazz Hop Sound Sessions, bringing live music throughout the Anacostia Business Corridor. You can get free tickets to participate in the summer of jazz, here.
The 2026 DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival
The 24th edition of the DC Asian Pacific Film Festival (DCAPAFF) will run from July 16 to 19 in Washington, DC and Silver Spring, MD. This year’s program explores the intersection of indigenous and AANHPI diaspora communities and features new and repertory films, some of which rarely screen for the public. All screenings will be followed by Q&As.
Screenings will take place at Alamo Drafthouse DC Bryant Street, Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market and AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. All the films in the DCAPAFF program are eligible for the Audience Award. You can view the full program or purchase tickets, here.
You can visit the DC Asian Pacific Film Festival and APA Film site for more information, here.
AirSpace Live! Star Trek at 60
At the National Air and Space Museum, they’ve been obsessed with Star Trek and its fans since before they opened to the public in 1976. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the franchise, the museum is excited to host a live taping of the Museum’s podcast, AirSpace, about the history and cultural impact of Trek and its fans, the event takes place on Monday, August 13, from 7:00pm to 8:15pm at the National Air and Space Museum (650 Jefferson Drive SW).
AirSpace podcast hosts Matt Shindell and Emily Martin will be joined by Museum curator and Trek expert Margaret Weitekamp and a very special guest star: actress and artist Tawny Newsome, known for her work on Star Trek: Lower Decks and Space Force. Tickets include after-hours access to some of the museum's exhibits (costumes are welcome!), access to the live podcast taping, and pop-up stargazing.
You can register, here. Tickets are free but required.
Summer Movie Pop-up Series
DPR is bringing outdoor movies, themed activities, and summer fun all across DC with pop-up movies across DC. Movie nights will happen across the District at multiple locations bringing free films and community fun directly to your neighborhood. All movies start at 7:00pm, with screening occurring all summer long until September 6. You can view a complete list of events, here, and sign up to receive cancellation alerts, here.
Real Time Pool & Spray Park Updates
Trying to beat the heat? Cool down at one of DPR’s pools or spray parks. For the 2026 season indoor pools and spray parks will be open daily, and outdoor pools on the weekends. Y0u can view real time updates on DPR’s website, here, to be aware of when pools are offline or at capacity.
The Return of Free Veggie Giveaways
It's officially FREE veggie giveaway season in Washington, DC. The Department of Parks and Recreation is bringing farm-fresh produce straight to the community, from rooftop harvests to garden-grown goods, this is your weekly chance to grab fresh, locally grown food -on us.
From now until November 25 (weather permitting) you can attend weekly veggie giveaways at DPR communal farms.
Early arrival and reusable bags are encouraged.
To attend giveaways participants must be registered. You can find more information and register, 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.
You can visit us online at christinahendersondc.com. Or stay connected by following Councilmember Christina Henderson on her socials.
Website: christinahendersondc.com
Twitter (X): @CMCHenderson
Instagram: @christinahendersondc
Facebook: @christinahendersondc
Bluesky: @cmchenderson.bsky.social