Chaos erupted at the U.S. Capitol as protesters clashed with police over proposed Medicaid cuts.
More than two dozen activists were arrested for disrupting a House Energy and Commerce Committee budget markup debating significant reductions to fund President Donald Trump’s tax package, as Deseret News reports, and the scene underscored deep divisions over America’s healthcare priorities.
Around 1 p.m., dozens of protesters gathered outside the committee’s hearing room. Wearing “Hands off Medicaid” T-shirts and blowing whistles, they drowned out opening statements. Their chants reflected anger at GOP plans to slash healthcare programs for working-class families.
The committee was tasked with finding $880 billion in spending cuts to support Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax cut extensions. Republicans exceeded this, securing over $900 billion in savings, largely from Medicaid. These cuts aim to restore economic strength but sparked fierce opposition from activists.
U.S. Capitol Police arrested 26 protesters for crowding, obstructing, and inconveniencing. Officers warned the group to stop interrupting or face arrest. Within minutes, police began clearing the hallways to restore order.
At issue is a proposal expected to save at least $815 billion by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office. These savings come at the cost of an estimated 8.6 million people losing coverage over the next decade. The cuts prioritize fiscal responsibility but risk leaving vulnerable Americans without care according to critics.
The proposed changes include work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries aged 19 to 64. Able-bodied adults without dependents must work 80 hours a month or complete community service, with exceptions for pregnant women. States will enforce these rules, adding bureaucratic hurdles for the working poor.
Additional restrictions ban Medicaid funds for gender transition procedures for children under 18. Funds will also be withheld from individuals without verified citizenship or immigration status. These measures align with conservative values but face accusations of targeting vulnerable groups.
Less than an hour into the markup, Democratic Sens. Cory Booker, Brian Schatz, and Tina Smith entered the room. They delivered thousands of letters from constituents reliant on Medicaid. Booker called the cuts “outrageous,” amplifying the protesters’ concerns.
Booker highlighted constituents’ personal stories, saying they shared “intimate” details about relying on Medicaid to survive.
He argued that Republicans were callously threatening millions of Americans’ lifelines. His rhetoric aimed to shame GOP lawmakers but did little to sway them.
The budget plan avoided some of the GOP’s most extreme proposals after months of negotiations. Moderate Republicans pushed for compromises to maintain party unity. This pragmatism reflects the delicate balance of advancing Trump’s agenda.
The protests and arrests reveal a nation split over healthcare’s role in society. Republicans see the cuts as essential to fund tax relief and restore economic vitality. Critics argue they betray the working class and prioritize corporate interests.
The committee’s markup advanced despite the disruptions, signaling GOP resolve. The proposed changes now face further legislative hurdles. Their fate will shape healthcare access for millions of Americans.
For now, the Capitol’s hallways are quiet, but the fight over Medicaid is far from over. Protesters vow to keep pushing back against policies they see as heartless. The clash at the Capitol reflects a broader battle for America’s soul.
