Politicians, pastors protest downtown Chicago as House gears up to vote on Trump's 'big beautiful bill,' citing Medicaid cut fears
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Protesters in Chicago gathered on Wednesday to express their disapproval of President Donald Trump’s extensive tax and spending plan, urging Congress to reject the proposal.

Trump’s bill is now in the hands of the House of Representatives with a good deal of uncertainty about its future.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

There is a lot of political pressure being exerted on both sides of the debate on the bill.

President Trump and his supporters are striving to unify Republicans in favor of the bill, as Democrats and their allies put up a strong opposition to thwart its progress.

Religious leaders and politicians came together at Federal Plaza on Wednesday morning, united in delivering a firm message to Congress concerning the president’s touted major legislative initiative.

“This bill is not beautiful and is not particularly complicated. It is reverse Robin Hood. It is taking from the poor and giving to the rich,” the Rev. Marshall Hatch said.

Demonstrators renamed the mega-bill the “bad ugly bill.”

“Let me be clear: We do not care what party you belong to. If you support this bill, you will see us in your offices, at your town halls and your streets,” said Artinese Myrick, with Live Free.

There are concerns about how the bill would cut nutritional food assistance for the needy.

“We run a food pantry on 79th Street right now. By the end of each week, we run out of food. When the SNAP cuts and the Medicaid cuts go through, we will turn away probably approximately three to 400 people a week that we can no longer feed,” said Fr. Mike Pfleger, with St. Sabina Church.

There are also concerns about cuts to Medicaid and the fallout for safety net hospitals. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will cost 11.8 million Americans their health care coverage over the next decade.

“If you’re a young mother raising young children and you’re on Medicaid, your Medicaid benefits are not going to change or be altered. If you’re a senior citizen and this is the only thing you rely on, is Medicaid, that’s not going to be altered or changed,” said Republican Rep. Darin LaHood, who represents central and northwestern Illinois.

LaHood says Medicaid will be cut for non-citizens and for able-bodied adults who can work.

Republicans also tout the fact the bill will eliminate taxes on tips and overtime.

“This may not be perfect for everybody. But, overall, it’s going to do a lot to get the economy back on track, to put more money in the pockets of working people,” LaHood said.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are vowing to fight.

“We are fighting for everyone in this bill, in this place. But let’s go, and let’s go vote hell no on the betrayal bill of Donald Trump,” said Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez, who represents Chicago and the west suburbs.

What’s not clear is when there will be a vote on the bill.

Speaker Mike Johnson does not want to make any changes because then it would have to go back to the Senate for another vote.

So, for now, the standoff on Capitol Hill continues.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'General Hospital,' 'The View,' 'Live with Kelly and Mark,' and Anthony Mackie are among the Daytime Emmy Awards nominees.

Daytime Emmy Nominations Include ‘General Hospital,’ ‘The View,’ ‘Live with Kelly and Mark,’ and Anthony Mackie

LOS ANGELES — The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has…
Flood recovery in San Marco faster with new pump station

Rapid Flood Recovery in San Marco Boosted by New Pump Station

A city spokesperson says many streets flooded in Wednesday’s deluge drained in…
America's 'most hated mom,' Casey Anthony, spotted on apparent date at sports bar

Casey Anthony Seen on Outing at Local Sports Bar: Reports

New images show “America’s most hated mom,” Casey Anthony, out on what…
Cars parked in a lot near a gated entrance, surrounded by tall pine trees.

Tragic Incident: Teenager Dies After Sand Hole Collapse on Beach

A 17-YEAR-old boy has died on a beach after being buried alive…
Man busted with anti-government, anti-Trump documents after Texas ICE ambush suspect phone call, feds say

Federal Authorities Claim Texas ICE Ambush Suspect Found with Anti-Government and Anti-Trump Documents

A man accused of tampering with evidence related to the attack on…
Paul McCartney tour 2025 announced: Cities, dates, how to get tickets

Paul McCartney 2025 Tour Details: Schedule, Locations, and Ticket Information

It’ll be McCartney’s first North American tour since 2022. WASHINGTON — Paul…
Photo of Sunshine Stewart.

Paddleboarder, 48, discovered dead after disappearing during camp trip, prompting police search for ‘killer’

A PADDLEBOARDER mysteriously disappeared during a camping trip and has been discovered…
SBU Colonel Ivan Voronych, 50, was shot dead by a masked assassin in Kyiv

Shock as Ukraine Special Ops Chief Is Assassinated with Silenced Pistol in Cold Blood

This is the chilling event where a leading Ukrainian special operations official…
New England serial killer fears reignited after paddleboarder's murder in quiet coastal town

Concerns of a New England serial killer resurface after paddleboarder is found dead in serene seaside community

Officials are advising residents to stay composed after a paddleboarder’s murder in…
Sheriff Cook discusses safety and crime at town hall

Sheriff Cook Talks Crime and Safety Issues at Community Town Hall

During Thursday’s town hall, Sheriff Michelle Cook announced that crime in Clay…
Gavin Newsom's Big Address to the Nation Was a Lie-Filled Disaster

Democrats Criticized for Supporting High-Density Housing Following California Wildfires

For quite some time, California Democrats have pushed for the development of…
Anti-ICE Protestors Douse Themselves in Milk to Fight Off Pepper Spray at Cannabis Facility in California

Protesters Against ICE Use Milk to Counteract Pepper Spray at California Cannabis Facility

An extensive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid occurred at Glass House…