A recent confrontation during a congressional committee meeting captured the emotional outcry of protesters who condemned the United States for funding military actions in Gaza while cutting Medicaid for low-income American children.

Among the arrested demonstrators was Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, who joined the protest to demand an end to US support for the siege on Gaza.

The incident began when Cohen and other protesters interrupted the committee’s proceedings, voicing their outrage over US policies. “Congress is paying to bomb poor kids in Gaza and paying for it by kicking poor kids off Medicaid in the US,” Cohen declared while being escorted out by Capitol Police. The passionate plea highlighted a stark contradiction in US domestic and foreign policies, where funds are allocated to support military actions abroad while domestic welfare programs face cuts.

The protesters demanded that Congress and the Senate take immediate action to ease the siege on Gaza, allowing food and humanitarian aid to reach starving children. “How many days have they been starving in Gaza? What has it been? 75 days?” one protester shouted, emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Biden administration has faced growing criticism for its unwavering support of Israel, even as reports of civilian casualties in Gaza continue to mount. Meanwhile, domestically, budget cuts to programs like Medicaid have left millions of low-income Americans, including children, without essential healthcare coverage.

Ben Cohen’s involvement has drawn even greater attention to the protest, given his status as the co-founder of a globally recognized brand known for its social activism. His arrest has amplified calls for change, with many urging US lawmakers to reconsider their spending priorities.

The protests have not only highlighted the plight of Palestinian children suffering under siege but have also drawn attention to the struggles of American families losing access to healthcare. Calls for change have continued to echo across social media and in public spaces, as advocates urge lawmakers to reevaluate their spending decisions. The question remains—will Congress listen? Or will the cries of children, both at home and abroad, continue to be ignored?