U.S. News
Activists Arrested After Storming Speaker McCarthy’s Office
Clear Facts:
- Activists demanding the reauthorization of PEPFAR, a vital HIV/AIDS relief program, stormed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s office; seven were arrested.
- PEPFAR, credited with saving 25 million lives globally, is currently mired in political disputes over its potential ties to abortion services.
- Amidst this tension, Speaker McCarthy juggles multiple political challenges, including government funding and conservative calls for accountability on President Biden.
In an audacious move, activists stormed the office of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Capitol Hill this Monday. Their demand? The reauthorization of PEPFAR, the crucial HIV/AIDS relief initiative which has saved numerous lives globally.
As they took over McCarthy’s office, they fervently chanted, “McCarthy – pass PEPFAR now!” illustrating their intent and urgency.
Seven protestors, some of whom were wearing “HIV-positive” shirts and brandishing banners advocating to “end AIDS,” were escorted out and handcuffed by the U.S. Capitol Police.
Although Speaker McCarthy typically operates from the main Capitol building, the activists’ decision to target the Rayburn House Office Building sends a potent message, especially as House members were set to return to Washington D.C. after their summer recess.
PEPFAR, initiated under President George W. Bush’s administration, has been a significant force in the battle against HIV and AIDS in developing nations. With its influence spanning across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, the program is credited with saving an estimated 25 million lives.
However, PEPFAR finds itself at the center of a political storm, primarily due to concerns regarding abortion. Some Republicans have voiced apprehensions about segments of PEPFAR’s hefty $7 billion annual budget potentially aiding abortion services. These claims, staunchly denied by President Joe Biden’s administration, resonate deeply with conservative values.
Further fueling the debate is Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, who is pressing for a halt on PEPFAR’s reauthorization until the Biden administration restores the 2021-repealed anti-abortion guidelines. These guidelines ensured that PEPFAR-funded groups could not discuss abortion, adhering to a pro-life stance.
Speaker McCarthy finds himself navigating this complex scenario, amidst a plethora of pressing concerns. Facing a looming September deadline, McCarthy is tasked with guaranteeing government funding, deliberating on aid considerations for Ukraine, and addressing the voices of conservatives keen on holding President Joe Biden to account.
With the political landscape growing increasingly charged, the actions and decisions of McCarthy and the GOP will undoubtedly shape the narrative in the coming days.
We want to know what you think! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Loretta Cogar
September 14, 2023 at 6:58 am
I think with all the lies this administration has told the American People, if they are adamant that none of PEPFAR’s $7B budget is NOT going for Abortion, then I think we need to hold off reapproving it even though it saves HIV & AIDs patients. NONE of that budget should be going for ANYTHING except HIV & AIDs persons. So again if this Administration says none of the 7 Billion is going to Abortion they are lying as that’s all they’ve shown us they can do. Just my opinion.
truth
September 14, 2023 at 9:34 am
Pass a clean Pepfar bill. The Democrats always include one of their radical green or abortion guidelines.
Please stop bringing Ashli Babot or insurrectionists or death into this. Pass one bill.
Chrisptn
September 14, 2023 at 8:38 am
Too bad that these INSURRECTIONISTS didn’t meet the SAME FATE as Ashli Babbitt. They should have been EXECUTED.
truth mendel
September 14, 2023 at 9:52 am
Pass a clean Pepfar bill. The Democrats always include one of their radical green or abortion guidelines.
Please stop bringing Ashli Babot or insurrectionists or death into this. Pass one bill.
mendel
September 14, 2023 at 10:01 am
pass a clean bill without abortion or green guidelines.
Challange
September 14, 2023 at 2:47 pm
Incarcerate them in the same cells with the Jan 6 Patriots and they won’t last long !!!!
Steven Kaylor
September 14, 2023 at 10:20 pm
Agree!
Ralph McK
September 14, 2023 at 9:03 am
You should say, ‘allegedly saved lives’ because there has never been any proof of the existence of the so-called HI Virus, and masses of evidence that AIDS is nothing more than a lifestyle/malnutrition range of illnesses. This was stated by Prog. Luc Montagnier who received a Nobel Prize for his AIDS work!
The Pharmaceutical Industrial complex has spread the propaganda (and silenced dissenters) so comprehensively that people genuinely believe that HIV is real and their potions will cure you.
Don’t trust the Biden mafia, they lie and cheat by default.
truth
September 14, 2023 at 9:38 am
pass a clean bill. Please dont include death in your replies
truth mendel
September 14, 2023 at 9:45 am
pass a clean bill without abortion or gteen guidelines. Please dont include death in your replies.
truth
September 14, 2023 at 9:47 am
Pass a clean Pepfar bill. The Democrats always include one of their radical green or abortion guidelines.
Please stop bringing Ashli Babot or insurrectionists or death into this. Pass one bill.
S T W
September 14, 2023 at 9:48 am
Sounds like another January 6 action to me. They going to get the same treatment?
truth mendel
September 14, 2023 at 9:54 am
Pass a clean bill without including abortion or green guidelines.
3Xe1ioaiNITxtqNW5CaZEzpxpY4ggtEQJVxO4x0v98I=
September 14, 2023 at 10:27 am
are we going to blame trump
for it’s seems everything is blamed on him
and
like jan 6 the citizens have the right to speak up against the government
for if the government was doing what it is suppose to all this wouldn’t happen
the government works for the people and not line their pockets with millions and billions
and if the government could be trusted but the corruption is beyond
Mr. Ira Schafer
September 14, 2023 at 7:04 pm
Charges against these people will be dropped by the local DA or the judges will shrug their shoulders.