Congressional Committees Gear Up for Major Legislative Push Amid Capitol Sit-In Protest Led by Jeffries and Booker

Congressional committees are poised to commence work on a significant piece of legislation central to President Trump’s first-year agenda. This follows the adoption of a budget resolution by both the House and Senate, which serves as a preliminary framework. The legislative activity is set to begin as Congress reconvenes after a recess period.

In response to the Republican budget plan, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Cory Booker have expressed their opposition. On Sunday, they staged a sit-in protest on the steps of the Capitol, which extended into the afternoon. During this demonstration, they criticized the ethics of the plan and voiced concerns over a recent judicial ruling. They also labeled President Trump as a “politician” with a notably low rating for a judge in Illinois.

The protest highlighted a legal case involving Judge John Barberis, a state court judge in Illinois. Barberis was overseeing a contentious legal dispute concerning control over the Eagle Forum, a grassroots organization founded by Phyllis Schlafly, known for her anti-feminist stance. This case involved Schlafly’s youngest daughter and three of her sons, drawing significant public attention.

Senator Booker emphasized the importance of the moment, describing it as a “moment of moral urgency” as Congress prepares to return from its two-week recess. He committed to engaging in discussions about the upcoming legislative battles for several hours. The protest and subsequent discussions were livestreamed, allowing the public to witness the unfolding events.