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Arrests of Trumpcare Protesters, Some in Wheelchairs, Outside McConnell's Office

A Trumpcare opponent being carried from a sit-in outside of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office on Thursday morning after the Republicans released their draft version of a healthcare overhaul bill. (Photo: Screenshot/CNBC)

Arrests of Trumpcare Protesters, Some in Wheelchairs, Outside McConnell's Office

"Don't touch Medicaid! Don't touch Medicaid!"

Soon after a draft version of the Republican's Senate version of their Trumpcare care bill was released Thursday morning, Capitol Hill Police were systematically arresting people who staged a dramatic sit-in outside of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office.

"Our lives and liberty shouldn't be stolen to give a tax break to the wealthy. That's truly un-American." --Bruce Darling, ADAPT

Amid chants of "Don't Touch Medicaid!" and signs suggesting the same, many of those protesting the Senate bill were either elderly or in wheelchairs, offering a stunning visual as police tried to remove them from the hallway.

ADAPT, the national disability rights group behind the protest, said the Senate's bill is a direct threat to the future of people with pre-existing conditions and disabilities.

The proposed caps and cuts to Medicaid contained in the Republican bill, said ADAPT organizer Bruce Darling, would "greatly reduce access to medical care and home and community based service for elderly and disabled Americans who will either die or be forecd into institutions. Our lives and liberty shouldn't be stolen to give a tax break to the wealthy. That's truly un-American."

The Washington Post provided this footage via Facebook Live:

An Unconstitutional Rampage


Trump and Musk are on an unconstitutional rampage, aiming for virtually every corner of the federal government. These two right-wing billionaires are targeting nurses, scientists, teachers, daycare providers, judges, veterans, air traffic controllers, and nuclear safety inspectors. No one is safe. The food stamps program, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are next.

It’s an unprecedented disaster and a five-alarm fire, but there will be a reckoning. The people did not vote for this. The American people do not want this dystopian hellscape that hides behind claims of “efficiency.” Still, in reality, it is all a giveaway to corporate interests and the libertarian dreams of far-right oligarchs like Musk.

Common Dreams is playing a vital role by reporting day and night on this orgy of corruption and greed, as well as what everyday people can do to organize and fight back. As a people-powered nonprofit news outlet, we cover issues the corporate media never will, but we can only continue with our readers’ support.

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