A heated protest broke out during the markup of a major Republican health care bill, resulting in 25 arrests. Demonstrators — many of whom are disabled — rallied against proposed Medicaid cuts they say threaten their survival. While Republicans argue the bill targets fraud and ineligibility, Democrats and activists claim millions will lose coverage.
Protest Erupts as House Begins Debate on GOP Medicaid Bill
As the House Energy and Commerce Committee opened debate on a sweeping Republican health care bill, protesters immediately disrupted proceedings. Chanting “no cuts to Medicaid,” demonstrators — including many in wheelchairs — were quickly removed by Capitol Police. Authorities confirmed that 25 people were arrested for unlawful demonstration inside the Rayburn House Office Building.
Arrests and Tensions in the Hearing Room
Committee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) declared the disruption illegal, warning that interfering with congressional business is a criminal offense. Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) urged leniency, noting that many protesters were disabled. Outside the hearing room, more demonstrators chanted in protest, some also in wheelchairs.
Julie Farrar of the disability rights group ADAPT said they were fighting “literally for our survival.” Another activist, Jennifer Flynn Walker, stressed that Medicaid had been critical to her family and thousands of others across the country.
Democratic Support and Testimony
Several Democratic senators — Cory Booker (N.J.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii), and Tina Smith (Minn.) — joined their House colleagues in solidarity. Inside the hearing, Democrats coordinated speeches highlighting constituents who rely on Medicaid. Some held signs with phrases like “Medicaid Matters,” while others read personal stories or included real-time calls from people impacted.
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) referenced a family who had traveled to D.C. for the markup, while Rep. Mark Veasey (D-Texas) placed a constituent on speakerphone to share their Medicaid experience.
Partisan Debate Intensifies
The hearing quickly turned tense, with Republicans and Democrats accusing each other of spreading misinformation. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) told Dingell’s constituents he regretted they were “being told lies” about the bill. Chair Guthrie later instructed all members to stop using the word “lie” to maintain decorum.
Democrats argued that the legislation violates President Donald Trump’s pledge not to cut Medicaid except in cases of “waste, fraud and abuse.” The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the bill could lead to 10.3 million people losing Medicaid coverage, and 7.6 million becoming uninsured.
Republican Justification: Efficiency and Eligibility
Republicans defended the proposal as a measure to eliminate inefficiencies and abuse. Guthrie emphasized that only “able-bodied adults” and noncitizens would be affected. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) accused Democrats of prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens, citing CBO figures of 1.4 million undocumented individuals.
“We are prepared to stop billions of dollars in waste,” Guthrie said. “These are all commonsense policies.”
What’s Next
The markup process is expected to continue into the next day. With growing public pressure, internal party disagreements, and a highly emotional atmosphere, the outcome of the bill — and the national response — remains uncertain. As of now, both sides are digging in on their narratives surrounding Medicaid, access to care, and fiscal responsibility.
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