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.
