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
Security camera footage of a blurry altercation in a restaurant.

Shocking Incident: Intoxicated Driver Crashes SUV Through Restaurant Wall After Brawl

THIS is the terrifying moment a drunk driver smashes his SUV into…
Trump announces new tariffs on Mexico, EU to begin Aug. 1

Trump Reveals Upcoming Tariffs on Mexico and the EU Starting August 1

Trump announced the tariffs on two of the United States’ biggest trade…
TPUSA Event: Homan's Feisty Interaction With Protester, Tampa Police Deliver 'Find Out' Message to Driver

TPUSA Event: Homan Engages in Spirited Exchange With Protester, Tampa Police Issue Stern Warning to Driver

Turning Point USA’s 2025 Student Action Summit is being held at the…
Mamdani's dad part of anti-Israel group sympathetic to suicide bombers

Mamdani’s Father Linked to Anti-Israel Group Supportive of Suicide Bombers

The father of socialist NYC mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani serves on an…
Tucker Carlson Epstein Israel: A Call for Accountability

Tucker Carlson on Epstein and Israel: Demanding Transparency and Responsibility

Tucker Carlson delivered a blistering critique at TPUSA, accusing Jeffrey Epstein of…
Live Aid 40th anniversary: Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on concerts from Philadelphia, London

Celebrating 40 Years of Live Aid: Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates, and Bob Geldof Share Their Memories of the Philadelphia and London Concerts

NEW YORK — Forty years ago, the iconic Live Aid concerts set…
People boarding a small airplane.

How Carolina Wilga Survived 13 Days in the Cold Australian Outback After Going Missing

AFTER spending 11 freezing nights out in the wild, it was a…
Sabu has died: WWE star was 60

David Gergen, who advised four different presidents, passes away at age 83

Gergen worked in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald…
Mets' Edwin Diaz comes up clutch with 'efficient' six-out save

Mets’ Edwin Diaz Secures Crucial Win with Quick Six-Out Save

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Originally, Carlos Mendoza did not plan to deploy…
Woman found guilty in mushroom murder mystery that left three family members dead after meal

Woman Convicted in Mushroom-Related Murder Case that Claimed Lives of Three Family Members After Dining Together

A woman who poisoned four family members, killing three of them, is…
Aurora, Colorado dentist James Craig accused of poisoning wife Angela Craig's protein shakes going on trial for murder

Trial Begins for Aurora Dentist James Craig, Accused of Fatally Poisoning Wife via Protein Shakes

DENVER — Just a few days before her untimely death due to…
Claim $150 bonus or $1K first bet safety net for Wimbledon final between Swiatek and Anisimova

Grab a $150 Bonus or Secure a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net for the Wimbledon Final: Swiatek vs. Anisimova

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…