WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Some people who live in the District rallied Wednesday, calling for the U.S. Congress to keep its hands off of D.C.

The rally, which started at Seward Square in Southeast, took place three weeks after the same group, Hands Off DC, held a rally on March 8, the day the U.S. Senate voted against the D.C. criminal code bill. Hands Off DC includes several organizations in the District.

D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Charles Allen testified at a U.S. House Oversight Committee hearing on Wednesday. They were there to talk about affairs that included safety and crime.

People who took part in the rally marched from Seward Square to the Rayburn Building, the site of the Oversight Committee hearing. The rally ended at about 10 a.m. when the hearing started and some people entered the building to get their message to Congress peacefully.

“There’s still residents here that’s from this city that still cares about this city and want the best for this city,” stated D’Angelo Moore, who said he was born and raised in the District.

People at the rally said they feel at least some members of Congress are trying to overturn more D.C. laws and added that the interference threatens the rights and safety of those who live in the District.

“Congress didn’t listen,” said Emily Cassometus, who lives in Ward 8. “They are still meddling in D.C. affairs and so I’m going to keep coming back as long as they are trying to tell us what to do. Instead of listening to what we need and letting D.C. make decisions for ourselves,” Cassometus added.

“I feel like it should be more of our individuals that say they really have something to love about this city to really speak for the city,” said Moore.

“I want those Congress people to be focused on their constituents, their residents’ needs. I have representation here in D.C.,” said Cassometus. “I don’t want to get hurt. I don’t want my neighbors to get hurt. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. We know what really prevents crime. We’ve done research and D.C. is trying to pass laws and standup programs that really will help here,” she added.