A Chaotic Showdown in Congress: Disability Advocates Clash Over Medicaid
On Tuesday afternoon, a scene of upheaval unfolded in the Rayburn House Office Building as a group of protesters, many of whom were mentally and physically disabled, stormed the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing regarding the controversial Trump-backed “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Nancy Salandra, an activist associated with ADAPT, spoke to before the disruption, asserting, “We’re fighting for health and community-based services under Medicaid, housing, and wages for attendants.” Salandra expressed her concern that the Republican agenda threatens to dismantle essential services for disabled individuals, pushing them back into institutions like nursing homes rather than allowing them to live independently as taxpayers. She wore a cardboard sign on her head likening nursing homes to “jail,” visually underscoring her message.
Other advocacy groups, including Planned Parenthood and Popular Democracy in Action, were also present at the hearing, indicating a wider coalition of stakeholders concerned about proposed changes.
Republicans defend their stance on Medicaid, claiming that reforms are intended to bolster the program and ensure that benefits are not misallocated to illegal immigrants, ineligible individuals, or able-bodied adults who opt out of working. They assert that rather than cutting Medicaid, their goal is to enhance protections for those who genuinely need assistance.
In a rather theatrical display, as the committee hearing doors opened, the protesting individuals began to chant, “Don’t cut Medicaid!” and attempted to breach the entryway, prompting staff to erect makeshift barricades using chairs. A Capitol Police officer intervened, issuing a warning that failure to disperse could result in arrest.
As tensions escalated, one protester resorted to blowing a whistle, inciting a response from the police, who declared, “If you’re not getting arrested, then go.”
The situation culminated in multiple arrests, with police forcibly removing those who continued to shout inside the committee room. Protesters were seen being wheeled out while chanting their message, “No cuts to Medicaid!”
According to Capitol Police, 25 individuals were arrested shortly after the demonstration commenced, with more arrests anticipated. A police statement reiterated that protesting within Congressional buildings is unlawful.
Capitol Police say 25 people have been arrested in connection with the protests in the House Energy and Commerce markup, and “more arrests are being made.” ⁰⁰“Around 2 p.m., 25 people were arrested for illegally demonstrating in the Rayburn House Office Building. They were…
— Emily Brooks (@emilybrooksnews) May 13, 2025
