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Updated Jul 25, 2022 - Energy & Environment

Six House staffers arrested while protesting in Chuck Schumer's office

Jacob Knutson
Schumer speaking in Congress on July 19.
Schumer speaking in Congress on July 19. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Six House staffers were arrested on Monday for protesting for legislation to address climate change in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-N.Y.) office, demanding he restart negotiations with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), according to Capitol Police.

Why it matters: After bipartisan energy talks crumbled last month, it left the door open for Democrats to pursue climate legislation in a potential second reconciliation package, though they would need Manchin's vote for it to pass.

Those arrested for failing to leave the office were:

  • Saul Levin, a staffer for Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.)
  • Aria Kovalovich, a staffer for Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)
  • Rajiv Sicora, a staffer for Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.)
  • Courtney Koelbel, a staffer for Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.)
  • Philip Bennett, a staffer for Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.)
  • Emma Preston, another staffer for Khanna

The big picture: Manchin closed the door on a climate, energy and tax package this month. Democrats remain skeptical that Schumer will be able to reach an agreement on climate with Manchin, Axios' Hans Nichols reports.

  • However, earlier this month Schumer continued to work on finding a way forward. While working from home after testing positive for COVID, he and Manchin spoke about the bill.
  • According to Politico, Manchin told Democrats in a caucus meeting that he hopes to bring a bill backed by the West Virginia senator to the floor before the end of August.

Go deeper: White House holds out hope for Manchin climate deal

Go deeper