Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Oye Owolewa (D-D.C.) issued the following statement regarding the federal government’s decision to spend $292 million to house thousands of National Guard troops in apartment units across the District:

“Let me be clear: this is not about the brave men and women serving in the National Guard. They are carrying out orders and deserve our respect. This is about the federal government’s decision to commit hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to prolong a military presence in our neighborhoods instead of investing in the people who actually call this city home,” said Rep. Oye.

“For months, District residents have watched the federal government override local authorities, seize control of our National Guard, and expand its footprint in our city. Now, rather than treating this deployment as temporary, the administration is investing nearly $300 million to make it sustainable.

That money could have strengthened affordable housing, expanded mental health services, supported violence prevention programs, improved public schools, or helped local businesses recover. Instead, it is being used to normalize an unprecedented federal presence in the nation’s capital.

Washington, D.C., is home to more than 700,000 Americans who pay federal taxes, serve in our military, and contribute to our country’s success. We deserve the same respect afforded to every other American community: the right to govern ourselves without an indefinite federal occupation.

This contract raises an important question: If the federal government can move this quickly to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on housing troops, why can’t it show the same urgency when District residents need affordable housing, safer neighborhoods, and stronger public services?” Rep. Oye continued.

The people of Washington, DC deserve investment, not occupation. We deserve partnership, not control. And we deserve leaders who trust the people of this District to determine our own future.