Take Back the Capitol visits Congress

Occupy protesters and members of other groups, including community groups and the Service Employees International Union, have descended on Washington, DC, for four days of demonstrations called “Take Back the Capitol,” CNN reported.

About 3,000 people are participating, according to a spokesman for the American Dream Movement, which was involved organizing this week’s protests, Politico reported.

Washington, DC-based group OurDC, which advocates on behalf of the unemployed and underemployed, organized the multi-day protest, designed to get the attention of lawmakers and lobbyists, Voice of America reported.

“For far too long, Congress has been catering to the 1 percent instead of representing the 99 percent,” the group said on its website. In December, Congress will vote on whether to renew unemployment insurance benefits—if they don’t, more than 2 million people will lose all income in January. They’ll also be deliberating other important budget and tax measures that could have an impact on the 99 percent for generations to come. Now more than ever, Congress needs to see us and hear us.”

The group’s protests started on Monday, a day after Occupy DC protesters were arrested for refusing to move from their makeshift shelter in McPherson Square.

More from GlobalPost: Occupy DC protesters arrested

Today, dozens of Take Back the Capitol protesters participated in sit-ins in front of lawmakers offices, CNN reported.

Sitting outside the office of House Speaker John Boehner, John Reat from Ohio told CNN, "I've been unemployed for 24 months, and that's why I'm here. And we're not leaving until we talk to the speaker, or they close the building, whichever comes first."

Most members of Congress were refusing to meet with the protesters, Politico reported.

The protesters plan to demonstrate outside of lobbying offices on K Street on Wedneday and hold a prayer vigil and another march on key congressional leaders on Thursday, NBC News reported.