US politics: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of NY, NJ Sen. Cory Booker begin livestreamed sit-in protest on Capitol steps
Share and Follow

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker are holding a livestreamed sit-in protest and discussion on Sunday from the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Titled “An Urgent Conversation with the American People,” the livestreamed discussion comes ahead of Congress’ return to session on Monday.

A statement released by both officials’ offices said in part, “Republican leaders have made clear their intention to use the coming weeks to advance a reckless budget scheme to President Trump’s desk that seeks to gut Medicaid, food assistance and basic needs programs that help people, all to give tax breaks to billionaires. Given what’s at stake, these could be some of the most consequential weeks for seniors, kids and families in generations.”

According to the statement, Rep. Jeffries and Sen. Booker plan to speak to shared American values and the nation’s religious and moral underpinnings, and how the budget bill opposes these beliefs. They also plan to affirm to Americans watching the livestream that their voices matter, especially in this moment in time.

Throughout the livestream, the Tri-State officials are being joined by fellow elected members from both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate to discuss the issues that matter to them and their constituents. Groups of curious passersby also found themselves sitting on the Capitol steps listening and weighing in on the conversation.

Watch the livestream here:

———-

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More Manhattan news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube


Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game on ABC postponed following deadly Minneapolis shooting involving federal agents

ABC Postpones Warriors vs. Timberwolves Game Amid Minneapolis Shooting Incident Involving Federal Agents

In light of escalating tensions in Minneapolis, the NBA has decided to…
Surgeon accused of killing ex-wife and her dentist husband gets first look at Ohio court with legal defense

Ohio Surgeon Faces Court for Alleged Murder of Ex-Wife and Her Dentist Husband

A surgeon facing charges for the murder of his former wife and…
White House, DHS push back on claims ICE targeted 5-year-old in Minnesota, say child was 'abandoned'

ICE Denies Misleading Claims on Family Separation and Labels Minnesota Church Rioters as Violent

A senior official from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pushed back…
Chicago running: Roosevelt University grad student Joabe Barbosa continues mission to run every single street in city amid cold

Chicago Runner: Roosevelt University Graduate Student Joabe Barbosa Perseveres in Ambitious Quest to Run Every City Street Despite the Cold

A determined individual braved the frigid temperatures on Friday, refusing to let…
Trump reveals to The Post ‘on land’ drug strikes could hit ‘anywhere’ — including Mexico, Central and South America

Trump Discloses to The Post: Potential ‘On-Land’ Drug Strikes Could Target Locations Across Mexico, Central and South America

WASHINGTON — In a bold statement, President Trump announced potential land strikes…
Iran Revolutionary Guard commander says regime has 'finger on the trigger' as US warships head to Middle East

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander Asserts Readiness as US Warships Approach Middle East

The leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning…
Trump's new $1 coin designs revealed as Dems battle vanity project

Unveiling of Trump’s New $1 Coin Designs Sparks Controversy Among Democrats

The commemorative $1 coin featuring former President Donald Trump, crafted to celebrate…
Elizabeth Smart reveals her kidnapper tried to abduct her teen cousin as his ‘next wife’

Elizabeth Smart Exposes Chilling Plot: Kidnapper Targeted Her Teen Cousin for ‘Next Wife

Elizabeth Smart, a survivor of a high-profile abduction, recently revealed chilling details…