Protesters Arrested at House Medicaid Cuts Hearing

More than two dozen protesters, including disability rights advocates and wheelchair users, were arrested during a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on proposed Medicaid cuts as part of a broader Republican budget plan. The legislation aims to reduce federal health spending by $700 billion to $900 billion, primarily by introducing new work requirements for Medicaid recipients and other policy changes. These cuts are projected to leave at least 8.6 million Americans without health insurance. Protesters, supported by some Democratic lawmakers and senators, voiced concerns that the cuts would endanger their health and lives, while Republicans emphasized the need to offset the cost of extending Trump-era tax cuts. Capitol Police arrested at least 25 demonstrators on charges of crowding and obstructing, despite appeals from Democrats to avoid arresting disabled protesters. The hearings are expected to remain contentious as lawmakers debate the impact on vulnerable populations.