Democrats protest GOP budget cuts at Capitol sit-in

On April 27, 2025, Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, and Senator Cory Booker led a sit-in protest on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in response to proposed budget cuts by congressional Republicans. The demonstration aimed to reject the GOP's plan that sought to reduce federal spending by $1.5 trillion, a move that Democrats argued would severely impact critical social services, including Medicaid. Alongside hundreds of supporters, the two leaders highlighted the potential detrimental effects on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income families who rely on such funding. The event was marked by heartfelt testimonies from citizens affected by these budget cuts, illustrating the human side of this policy debate. The sit-in, which lasted over twelve hours, was strategically held as Congress prepared to reconvene following a two-week recess. Jeffries and Booker emphasized the moral implications of the budget, invoking quotes from historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. to stress that budgets reflect our values. They described their motivations for the event as tied to their faith and the urgency of the moment, urging supporters to participate in sharing their stories and standing against what they termed a national crisis. Booker, who celebrated his 56th birthday on the day of the sit-in, expressed deep concern about the proposed policy changes, emphasizing that the cuts would disproportionately affect marginalized communities. His passionate appeals centered on the importance of providing care for those most in need, arguing that these budget cuts represent one of the gravest threats to America's moral character. Additionally, he highlighted that the cuts were largely aimed at funding tax reductions for wealthier Americans, thus prioritizing tax relief over essential social services. Throughout the day, various lawmakers and advocacy groups joined the demonstration, reinforcing the message that protecting the social safety net is vital for ensuring equality and justice. The protest culminated with a call to action, encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and active in opposing harmful budget proposals as Congress continued its negotiations. Jeffries concluded the event by promising that Democrats would not relent in their efforts to combat the proposed budget cuts, positioning the sit-in as a critical step in the ongoing struggle for social justice and equitable funding for all Americans.