Medicaid Protest Erupts During House Budget Markup; Arrests Made
A contentious House Energy and Commerce Committee budget reconciliation markup was disrupted Tuesday by a wave of protesters demonstrating against potential Medicaid cuts. The demonstration resulted in the arrest of over two dozen individuals for unlawful protest within a congressional building.
The U.S. Capitol Police Department confirmed that 26 protesters were taken into custody at approximately 2 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building. The arrests were made under the charge of 22-1307, Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding, a violation of the law prohibiting protests inside Congressional buildings.
The protest unfolded outside the John D. Dingell Room, where the committee was convening. Dozens of demonstrators, many using wheelchairs, occupied the hallways, chanting slogans like "No cuts to Medicaid!" Several protesters actively blocked the entrance to the committee room, leading to their removal and subsequent arrest by Capitol Police officers after repeated warnings.
Adding to the tension, Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, made an appearance at the protest. Booker, who himself has a history of protesting on Capitol grounds, expressed his support for the demonstrators. He thanked them for their presence and commitment to protecting Medicaid. Two weeks prior, Booker spent over 12 hours protesting President Donald Trump’s agenda on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
Inside the markup, the atmosphere was equally charged. Republican and Democratic committee members engaged in heated exchanges over the implications of the proposed budget on Medicaid. Democrats voiced concerns that the Republican budget bill would significantly curtail access to vital Medicaid services. Many representatives shared personal stories of constituents who have relied on Medicaid.
Republicans countered these claims by accusing Democrats of spreading misinformation and exaggerating the impact of the bill. Representative Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina and chairman of the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee, stated directly, "I want to send one very clear message: you’re being lied to."
Representative Brett Guthrie, a Republican from Kentucky and Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, addressed the disruptions caused by the protesters. He acknowledged their right to participate in the political process but emphasized the need to adhere to the rules of the House and the law. Guthrie stated that those who disrupt the proceedings would be removed and subject to arrest by the Capitol Police.
The committee’s budget markup included various proposed changes to Medicaid, including stricter address verification requirements, measures to prevent enrollment of deceased individuals, enhanced provider screening requirements, and revisions to home equity limits for determining eligibility. The bill also proposes prohibiting illegal immigrants from receiving Medicaid services and preventing funding for gender transition procedures for minors.
Republicans defended the proposed changes, asserting that they aim to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within the Medicaid program while protecting benefits for vulnerable populations. Representative Erin Houchin, a Republican from Indiana, assured the committee, "This budget does not cut Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security benefits for the Americans who truly need them."
Despite these assurances, Democrats remained unconvinced. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, argued that the proposed cuts to Medicaid would disproportionately impact low-income families and individuals to fund tax cuts for the wealthy. "We are cutting money and health care from people and families who are suffering, to pay for tax cuts for the rich," she stated.
The proposed legislation also includes a new work requirement for certain able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid. Individuals aged 19 through 64 would be required to work 80 hours per month to maintain their eligibility. The bill also seeks to place stricter controls on how states spend funds on their expanded Medicaid populations.
The Affordable Care Act allowed states to expand Medicaid coverage to adults making up to 138% of the poverty level. The bill would require states with expanded Medicaid populations to perform eligibility checks every six months to ensure the system is not being abused.
The Energy & Commerce Committee was tasked with identifying at least $880 billion in spending cuts to offset other priorities in Trump’s budget plan. Chairman Guthrie informed House Republicans that the committee had identified "north of $900 billion" in savings.
