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.
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 forced into institutions.
Huge protest inside and outside of Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell's office happening right now. pic.twitter.com/Iu9wet6cXx
— Mariam Khan (@MKhan47) June 22, 2017
We are at @SenateMajLdr demanding he stop the attacks on Disabled people's freedom with #AHCA. #ADAPTandRESIST #NoC… https://t.co/B42G96LStA
— American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (@NationalADAPT) June 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/SteveKopack/status/877912413068251137
https://twitter.com/SteveKopack/status/877912697375006720
Our lives and liberty shouldn’t be stolen to give a tax break to the wealthy.
That’s truly un-American.”
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