Some House Republicans have recently encountered significant backlash following a call from progressive groups urging Americans to protest the GOP's approach to government spending. Amidst rising tensions, at least six lawmakers faced demonstrations at their district offices during last week's recess, which coincided with President's Day. Additionally, several legislators were confronted during town hall events held during the same period.
The protests were largely aimed at Elon Musk and the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which seeks to reduce federal spending by $2 trillion. Concerns over data privacy were also highlighted, as protesters expressed fears about the control of personal information. A protester outside Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., mentioned in a video captured by AZ Central, "They have control of all of our personal information, and I don’t know that anyone except them knows what they’re going to be doing with it. I think it’s a terrible breach of security for everyone in this country."
Photos captured by the Desert Sun showed a substantial turnout at the office of Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., with signs stating, "You work for us, not Musk." Furthermore, constituents expressed serious concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs. These fears are fueled by GOP efforts to align with President Donald Trump’s agenda through the budget reconciliation process, which includes plans to extend Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and prioritize border security and national defense.
Outside the office of Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., protesters urged him to reject Medicaid cuts. According to local outlet WGAL, one demonstrator remarked, "I hope he doesn't touch Medicaid. I hope he does not defund it or try to cut it or anything like that." In response, Perry stated, "Congressman Perry supports the right to protest. While Congress has yet to see a detailed plan to get our Country back on the path to fiscal solvency, Congressman Perry, as always, will keep the concerns and views of the 10th District at the forefront as he determines his vote on their behalf."
Other Republicans who faced similar protests at their district offices included Reps. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., and House Administration Committee Chair Bryan Steil, R-Wis. Additionally, Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., encountered criticism during a town hall event last week.
The wave of protests followed a memo from the progressive group Indivisible, which encouraged activists to use the recess period to protest House lawmakers in their home offices. The group's website stated, "Recess is when Members of Congress go back home to host town halls, meet with constituents, and try to paint themselves as responsive to the people who elected them. It is also when MoCs think they can avoid public scrutiny — especially Republicans who want to dodge tough questions about their complicity in Trump and Musk’s coup."
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