Thursday, March 15: About 30 people were in line inside the Rayburn building waiting to get into the hearing on the supplemental appropriations bill. Most wanted to register opposition to increased funding for the war, and many were angry, as well, that the Democratic Party leadership backed off demanding President Bush consult Congress before attacking Iran. The people were told that only 2-3 members of the public would be allowed in. People started chanting “let the people in” and “get a bigger room,” Capitol police moved in, and three people were arrested including Larry Everest, author of Oil, Power and Empire and Gael Murphy of Code Pink.
At the same time, activists with the People’s Encampment at the Mall
and World Can’t Wait were demonstrating outside the Rayburn Building on
the public sidewalk. When some moved onto the steps, they were
threatened with arrest and eight people were handcuffed andarrested
for demonstrating without a permit – even though permits are not
required for less than 20 people. All were taken to the Capitol Police
headquarters for processing.
Video of Larry Everest speaking about Iran in Washington, DC 3/15: