NINE PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED today after disrupting the final moments of the House debate on next year’s budget by singing patriotic and other songs from the visitors’ gallery.
Capitol Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider said the nine people were being charged with unlawful conduct for disrupting Congress.
Natalie Greene of Knoxville, a member of the protester party who was not arrested, said they were an unorganized group of young people concerned about the future of the environment.
One by one, they stood up in the visitors’ gallery and began singing songs such as the national anthem and “We Shall Overcome,” before they were taken out of the chamber by Capitol Police. As soon as speeches on the floor resumed, another protester would start singing.
Republican Congressman Charles Bass of New Hampshire, who was presiding in the chair, warned those in the gallery that they faced possible prosecution for interrupting the proceedings.
- AP
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