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Protestors Stage Die-In Outside Downtown LA Federal Building Over Debt Ceiling Lift

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Political activists today staged a "die-in" outside a federal building in downtown L.A. in protest of the deal to lift the debt ceiling.

Demonstrators wore black clothing and skull masks, carried black roses and held signs with slogans such as, "Cause of death: cuts to meal program."

"We understand that Congress is about to increase the debt limit and end the government shutdown. But they're only kicking the can down the road to January and February, and the problems may come up again then. We still have the problem of the sequester cuts," one protestor told KNX1070's Claudia Peschiutta.

Die-In Held In Downtown LA Over Debt Ceiling Lift

The activist was referring to a plan unveiled today by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who announced plans to fund the federal government through January 15 and lift the debt limit through February 7, CBS News reports.

People with disabilities are worried about losing federal aid, and consequently, their independence, Peschiutta said.

"Will we have enough money to buy food? Pay our rent? Buy our medications? Or pay for our healthcare?" another protestor asked.

The deal announced by Reid and McConnell was approved by the Senate and the House this evening.

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