A man was arrested by Capitol Police on Sunday evening after interrupting a Senate debate on President Donald Trump’s sweeping new spending bill, known among supporters as the “big, beautiful bill.” The incident occurred in the Senate Galleries, where the individual began shouting criticisms at lawmakers during the heated legislative session.
The man, identified as Allen D. Rogers from Florida, was taken into custody around 7:00 p.m. and charged with unlawful conduct after he refused to comply with officers’ orders to cease his disruptive behavior.
According to a statement from the U.S. Capitol Police, “Our officers arrested a man who started being disruptive in the Senate Galleries. He was shouting and refused to follow instructions to stop.”
The disruption occurred between speeches by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), as the Senate debated the high-stakes Republican-sponsored legislation, which includes significant changes to federal taxation, Medicaid funding, and defense spending.
Witnesses reported that Rogers loudly denounced lawmakers from the gallery, shouting phrases such as “you people are awful” and “you’re horrible.” While most of his comments were difficult to understand, they appeared to be directed primarily at Republican senators.
Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) was serving as the presiding officer during the disturbance. In response, he looked toward the gallery and called for order, stating repeatedly, “The Sergeant at Arms will restore order in the gallery.”
The incident marks the latest example of heightened tensions and public frustration surrounding the controversial legislation, which has sparked protests and fierce debate on Capitol Hill. Capitol Police have not reported any injuries, and the session resumed shortly after Rogers was escorted out.
The “big, beautiful bill” remains under deliberation as lawmakers continue to clash over its sweeping implications for the federal budget and domestic policy.
