Protesters in the Russell Senate Office Building on the grounds of the United States Capitol who were “illegally demonstrating” saw their efforts cut short when law enforcement arrested dozens of them.
Watch the video down below.
Specifically, Capitol Police zip-tied 33 demonstrators who were protesting against President Donald Trump’s Medicaid changes in his “Big Beautiful Bill.”
The protests occurred as the president’s deadline to pass the budget legislation by the Fourth of July approaches.
Capitol Police moved swiftly to control the situation, arresting 33 people for “Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding” inside the congressional building, with an additional person arrested for crossing a police line.
Many protesters wore t-shirts with dramatic slogans like “Healthcare Cuts Will Kill” while holding banners that police quickly confiscated.
The demonstration was organized by several left-leaning advocacy groups, including Popular Democracy, the Debt Collective, and ADAPT.
A Capitol Police spokesperson confirmed that “It is against the law to protest inside the Congressional Buildings.”
There actually are designated lawful areas on Capitol Grounds where demonstrations are permitted.
This enforcement is consistent with longstanding rules designed to maintain order in government buildings.
President Trump’s budget bill includes new Medicaid work requirements, a reform aimed at ensuring benefits are directed to those truly in need.
The legislation aims to reduce dependency while protecting benefits for the elderly, disabled, and truly vulnerable populations.
Groups claim the reforms could result in 10 million Americans losing coverage over the next decade.
However, supporters argue that implementing work requirements for able-bodied adults will help transition people from government dependency to self-sufficiency.
The bill’s proponents emphasize that these changes are specifically designed not to affect disabled Americans or children who rely on the program.
Some Republicans representing rural areas have advocated for a $15 billion “stabilization fund” to support hospitals in rural communities that might be affected by the changes.
The protesters, who traveled from states including New York, Florida, Maine, New Jersey, and Virginia, represented a coordinated effort by progressive organizations to disrupt the legislative process.
Leveraging the demonstrations in their favor, Democrats remain unified in opposition to any Medicaid reforms.
With Medicaid currently providing coverage for over 70 million Americans, the Trump administration’s reforms aim to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.
The path forward includes focusing resources on those who truly need assistance while encouraging self-sufficiency for those capable of work.
Despite the protests, supporters argue these reforms reflect a commitment to responsible governance and fiscal accountability.
MOMENTS AGO: Protesters storm the Capitol Hill building to protest the One Big Beautiful Bill. pic.twitter.com/vX8lKdkx5C
— Ron Smith (@Ronxyz00) June 25, 2025
