President Barack Obama on Friday spoke for the first time in support of D.C. voting rights.

In a statement released by the White House, Obama commended a group of residents lobbying on the Hill on Friday for the D.C. House Voting Rights Act and encouraged Congress to pass the long-sought-after legislation.

“Americans from all walks of life are gathering in Washington today to remind members of Congress that although D.C. residents pay federal taxes and serve honorably in our armed services, they do not have a vote in Congress or full autonomy over local issues,” Obama said. “And so I urge Congress to finally pass legislation that provides D.C. residents with voting representation and to take steps to improve the Home Rule Charter.”

Earlier this week House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) announced that the bill, which passed the Senate last year but stalled in the House after controversial gun language was attached, would be considered on the House floor next week.