Capitol Police arrest more than 25 as Medicaid activists interrupt committee
Share this @internewscast.com


Police arrested more than two dozen people after activists protesting cuts to Medicaid interrupted the House Energy and Commerce Committee as it began consideration of legislation to change the program.

Minutes into the markup, activists including several in wheelchairs chanted “no cuts to Medicaid,” persisting despite a warning from Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) that those making outbursts could be arrested.

Capitol Police escorted the demonstrators out, telling The Hill about half an hour later that 25 people were arrested and “more arrests are being made.”

“Around 2 p.m., 25 people were arrested for illegally demonstrating in the Rayburn House Office Building. They were arrested for 22-1307 Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding. It is against the law to protest inside the Congressional Buildings,” Capitol Police told The Hill. 

Ranking member Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) had asked Capitol Police not to arrest the protestors because many of them are disabled and in wheelchairs.

“I think hopefully everyone understands that these demonstrations, these people feel very strongly because they know they’re losing their health care and the cruelty that comes from the Republican proposal,” Pallone said.

The Energy and Commerce Committee is debating its portion of the “one big beautiful bill” that will encompass President Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda, including extension of tax cuts and reforms to Medicaid.

The committee was tasked with finding at least $880 billion in deficit reductions to offset the cost of extending tax cuts a figure that would be impossible to reach without changes to Medicaid. The bill includes new work requirements on “able bodied” adults and imposes limits on a state tax mechanism that enables them to get more federal Medicaid matching funds, but does not include some of the most significant cuts that Republicans were considering.

Still, a Congressional Budget Office analysis requested by Democrats found that the bill would lead to about 8.6 million people losing insurance.

Activists for people with disabilities, health care workers, and Planned Parenthood flooded the Energy and Commerce to show opposition to the bill, lining up outside the hearing room when space inside was full.

Nathaniel Weixel contributed. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Open Enrollment Challenges: ObamaCare Costs Rise Amid Government Shutdown

As Congress races against time to address the extension of crucial enhanced…

Illinois Trial Looms for Self-Deporting Migrant Charged with Concealing Death

A man who attempted to voluntarily return to Mexico from Illinois is…

USS Nimitz Faces Unprecedented Double Aircraft Loss in Under 30 Minutes, Navy Investigates

A fighter jet and a helicopter operating from the aircraft carrier USS…

Heroic Rescue: Texas Police Save Infant Trapped Under Car After Devastating Crash

FORT WORTH, Texas (WFLA) — Two officers from the Fort Worth Police…

Major Traffic Delays on I-26 Following Multi-Vehicle Collision, Says TDOT

GRAY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A collision involving several vehicles on Interstate 26…

Ex-NFL Star Adrian Peterson Faces DWI and Firearm Charges in Houston Suburb Arrest

In Sugar Land, Texas, former NFL star Adrian Peterson found himself in…

Moroccan Clerics Encourage Youth Engagement in Public Affairs Following Nationwide Protests

In the heart of Morocco’s capital, Rabat, a hush fell over the…

Judge’s Decision on Courtroom Dress Code in High-Profile Charlie Kirk Case

A judge is set to decide on Monday whether Tyler Robinson, charged…

Quick-Thinking Teen Surfer Rescues Air Force Veteran After Dramatic California Wipeout

In Oceanside, California, a seemingly ordinary day at the beach turned into…

Texas Governor Abbott Takes Aim at Professors Promoting Progressive Views

DALLAS — Texas Governor Greg Abbott is intensifying his efforts to eliminate…

Can the Full Moon Disrupt Your Sleep? A Neurologist Reveals the Truth

(The Conversation) – Have you ever found yourself unable to drift off…

Urgent: Congressional Action Needed as Trump’s $8 Billion Military Fund Depletes, Threatening Troop Salaries

As the deadline approaches, the Trump administration’s temporary solution to ensure service…