Booker and Jeffries Lead Sit-In on Capitol Steps to Condemn Trump's Budget Plan

Sen. Cory Booker And House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries initiated a livestreamed plea from the stairs of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday morning to sound the alarm about what they described as a "reckless and unethical" Republican budget plan.

Beginning shortly after 6 a.m., the legislators spoke to the public regarding the Trump Administration’s suggested budget, which they claimed would cut vital funding for housing, healthcare, and education—programs benefiting millions of Americans—all while increasing tax benefits for the richest among us.

Republican leadership has stated they plan to spend the upcoming weeks pushing through an irresponsible budget proposal aimed at delivering tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires by cutting essential aid like Medicaid, nutrition support, and fundamental services designed to assist those in need," Booker commented in a press release. "Considering the potential impact, this period might prove one of the most significant for elderly individuals, children, and households in decades.

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When Congress reconvenes on Monday following a two-week break, they will address the fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. The administration's plan aims to reduce spending by billions across various sectors including childcare, healthcare research, education, and housing assistance. New York Times , which acquired initial budget papers, reported on Friday.

Programs such as Head Start, which offers childcare and early childhood education to families with limited financial resources, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which assists struggling households in paying for heating and cooling costs, may be eliminated. USA TODAY reported The proposal additionally entails substantial reductions in funding for federal health organizations.

Portraying budgets as a manifestation of "what we cherish, whom we shield, and what we uphold," Booker and Jeffries encouraged Americans to voice their opinions.

Republican lawmakers in Congress want to make cuts that would deprive children of food, leave sick people without healthcare, and rob those who are already struggling of their self-respect," Booker stated. "This is unjust. We have to put an end to it by making our voices heard—clearly, bravely, and collectively. By raising our concerns loudly and firmly, we can persuade four Republican representatives in the House and Senate to act rightly and cast their votes against these measures.

Trump has called for shrinking federal government He mentions "allocates excessive funds toward programs, contracts, and grants that fail to advance the well-being of Americans." Even with Congressional approval for reducing expenditures, financial analysts predict that the federal deficit might still escalate substantially because of Trump's suggested tax reductions. These tax adjustments are expected to contribute an additional $5 trillion to the deficit over ten years, as stated by impartial economic observers. Committee for Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability .

The sit-in, conducted on a day labeled by the lawmakers as one of "faith, spirituality, and moral reflection," has been live-streamed on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Earlier this month, Booker created historical milestones with his actions. marathon speech on the Senate floor, railing against the Trump administration's actions, policies and plans for more than 25 hours.

The article initially appeared on NorthJersey.com. Cory Booker and Hakeem Jeffries criticize Trump's budget proposal during a sit-in on the Capitol steps.