Capitol Police arrest 71 progressives demonstrating for “Build Back Better” on Capitol Hill

TK News More than 70 activists including an interfaith coalition of clergy with the Poor People’s Campaign were arrested on Pennsylvania Avenue near the Capitol on December 13 in a protest for wage, voting, and immigration issues faced by low-income workers. The group primarily advocated for the passage of the “Build Back Better” plan which would expand social safety nets in a number of areas, but currently narrowly lacks the votes to pass. The Poor People’s Campaign is led by Rev. Dr. William Barber and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis. Ahead of the action, Reverend Barber said that Capitol Police had informed his lawyers that were he in particular to be arrested, he would have to spend the night in jail, not be released on site as most activists in these scenarios are. At non-violent civil disobedience actions, DC police generally process individuals for blocking roadways or protesting illegally and release them on site to avoid a more strenuous process. Reverend Barber attempted to confront USCP Lt. Ryan Schauf, who wouldn’t budge on the issue. As 71 activists including Reverend Theoharis were arrested, Reverend Barber at on the sidelines to prevent himself from going to jail overnight. The following day, The Poor People’s Campaign returned to Capitol Hill with a particular target in mind: Senator Joe Manchin. While elected as a Democrat, Manchin has become a major thorn in the side of progressives for his refusal to approve many big spending packages like Build Back Better. Reverend Barber said that he had hoped to either convince Manchin to vote yes on Build Back Better, or sit-in on his office to force Manchin to arrest the activists to send them away. Ordinarily, such a demonstration would be fairly commonplace. During the Kavanaugh hearings in 2018, over 1000 people were arrested in demonstrations like that. However, the Capitol rules were changed amidst COVID to prevent non-permit holders from entering without an invitation. Senator Manchin granted no such invitation. The Poor People’s Campaign ultimately left without a meeting, and the petitions they left on Capitol Hill were taken away by United States Capitol officers, presumably without being delivered. It appears Biden’s signature “Build Back Better” plan will not achieve a 2021 passage, but for activists, the fight continues. The Poor People’s Campaign says it will continue to return until a “massive worker’s assembly” they plan for DC on June 18, 2022. Produced by Ford Fischer / News2Share for Activism Uncensored, a collaboration with TK News