FORTY FORT — They chanted the congressman’s name and called his office, asking him or his staff to defend his record on Medicaid and other social safety net programs.
One demonstrator brought a giant inflatable clown holding an ax, with a photo of U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan covering the face.
“We’re mad you lied to us,” political activist and former state representative candidate Megan Kocher shouted from a bullhorn near Bresnahan’s office in the 900 Rutter building in Forty Fort.
Bresnahan’s critics say the freshman Republican congressman failed to keep his promise to protect Medicaid when voting for a reconciliation budget bill they say slashes the program.
Lackawanna and Luzerne County residents gather outside Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s office in Forty Fort to protest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lackawanna and Luzerne County residents gather outside Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s office in Forty Fort with signs and props to protest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lackawanna and Luzerne County residents gather outside Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s office in Forty Fort to protest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lackawanna and Luzerne County residents gather outside Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s office in Forty Fort to protest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lackawanna and Luzerne County residents gather outside Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s office in Forty Fort to protest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Remy Stephens, 4, of Carbondale, hands out dandelions during a protest outside Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s office on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Megan Kocher of Plymouth speaks during a protest outside Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s office on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Following the vote, Bresnahan claimed the bill protects Medicaid for those who need it but ensures Medicaid dollars are not spent on illegal immigrants and the legislation requires able-bodied recipients to work, along with other more frequent eligibility requirements.
With Forty Fort and state police stationed in the parking lot of the building, several dozen protestors gathered at the Rutter Avenue entrance to make their voices heard.
“Medicaid is saving my life,” said Susan Yugovsky, 41, of Duryea.
Yugovsky said she lives with two autoimmune diseases and couldn’t afford health care even when she worked in collections for a health care company. She said she struggles to survive and it was even difficult to get to Tuesday’s protest.
“I had to rally to be here because it’s that important,” Yugovsky said.
The crowd held a variety of signs critical of Bresnahan and chanted things like “Hey hey. Ho Ho. Rob Breshahan has got to go.”
“They are taking the money and cuts to give it to billionaires,” said Dwyane Heisel, a director with the Pennsylvania Policy Center and Pennsylvanians Together.
The recent reconciliation vote on the legislation, touted by Republicans as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed in the GOP-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on May 22 by a vote of 215 to 214. It is now being considered and tweaked by the U.S. Senate.
In defending the vote, Bresnahan said the bill extends President Trump’s tax cuts, including a provision for no taxes on tips, overtime or auto loan interest. He noted the work requirement for Medicaid exempts those Individuals under age 18 or over age 64; those who are pregnant; caretakers of a dependent or disabled individual; full-time students; disabled veterans; individuals with medical needs and substance abuse disorders; members of households receiving SNAP benefits; individuals in rehabilitation programs; and inmates of public institutions.
“While Rep. Bresnahan thanks these constituents for making their voice heard, he encourages them to stop listening to left-wing lies,” Bresnahan’s spokeswoman Hannah Pope said after the demonstration. “Any constituents with questions on how the legislation impacts them can contact our office.”