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Democrats Stage Sit-in on House Floor Over Gun Control (Video)
Rep. John Lewis is leading a sit-in on the house floor for a vote on gun legislation. Dems are using social media to document their protest. USA TODAY
(Photo: Screenshot)
WASHINGTON — Democratic lawmakers ground the U.S. House to a halt Wednesday, staging a sit-in to demand a vote on gun control legislation.
Scores of House lawmakers took to the House floor Wednesday morning and have refused to let Republicans take back control. They have taken turns talking about gun violence, said they wouldn’t leave until House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., allowed a vote on measures to curb it, and chanted over and over “No bill, no break!” The House is scheduled to adjourn on Friday and be out of session until July 5.
“Where is our courage?” said Democratic Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, who organized the impromptu sit-in. “Those who pursue common-sense improvement are beaten down. Reason is is put aside … What is the tipping point? Are we blind. Can we see? … Give us a vote! we came here to do our job!”
Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, repeatedly banged his gavel to call the House into order at noon, but the Democrats refused to quiet, and so he gaveled the House into recess.
House Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., suggested that could be a marathon recess.
“Our people deserve to know where their representatives stand on this issue, just as they now do with their senators,” he said. ”Led by civil rights hero Rep. John Lewis, we will be sitting-in until the House is allowed an opportunity to vote. This is an issue that ought to transcend party — it’s about saving lives and keeping our communities safe.”
Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong said, ”The House cannot operate without members following the rules of the institution, so the House has recessed subject to the call of the chair.” As for whether he would allow a vote, she pointed to remarks he made earlier Wednesday when he said the House was waiting to see what the Senate does on the issue. Senators on Monday voted down four partisan gun measures and were working on a compromise Wednesday.
Most of the House demonstration, unlike last week’s filibuster in the Senate that led to the votes Monday, was not broadcast on C-SPAN. The network carries feeds from cameras belonging to the House, which controls what is broadcast.
Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., accused Republican leadership of not allowing the broadcast, although it is longstanding policy not to show the House floor when the chamber is in recess.
“The fact is they can cut off the mics, they can cut off the cameras, they will not silence our voice,” he said as the sit-in approached four hours.
Many lawmakers took to social media to post photos and video of the protest.
“We cannot let another moment of silence happen on the House floor without acting,” Pelosi said.
Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., led a prayer. Nine people were gunned down in a church in South Carolina last June.
“I am prepared to stay here until hell freezes over,’’ Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., said. “We’re here because we can’t take it anymore … We can’t take burying our young people.”
The sentiments drew widespread support from fellow Democrats. Former president Bill Clinton weighed in on Twitter, saying “This is leadership.”
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn, who led the nearly 15-hour filibuster in the Senate, went over to the House floor to show his support.
“This is an extraordinary tactic,” he said as he headed into the chamber shortly after noon. But, he added, “This is an exceptional time.”
He was soon joined on the House floor by fellow Democratic Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Cory Booker of New Jersey, who both helped lead the filibuster. Sens. Al Franken of Minnesota, Edward Markey of Massachusetts and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii also joined.
Over at the White House, press secretary Josh Earnest said House Democrats are “are showing the kind of frustration and even anger that people around the country have.”
“What Democrats are asking for is neither radical nor controversial,” he said, citing polls showing that expanded background checks are favored by large majorities of people, including gun owners.
President Obama tweeted thanks to Lewis for “leading on gun violence where we need it most.”
Source USATODAY
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Sitting in the floor throwing a tantrum because you didn’t get your way..LMAO
Let’s hope they all start holding their breath like the small minded children they are.
They’re conducting Terrorism on the floor of the U.S. Capitol, in violation of Oath of Office to achieve a Political agenda, that’s Terrorism, they’re in violation of oath of office in Preserving, Protecting an Defending the Constitution,
They Are Terrorist and committing Treason and Need to be Arrest now.
The vote was NO, ARREST THE TERRORIST NOW,
WE DO NOT NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORIST.
Americans should be Dragging them Out right Now for their Crimes against US.
It would be funny if the Republicans said “OK, we will vote on a gun control law. We will vote to repeal the National Firearms Act of 1934 and give all law abiding citizens the right to bear any arms they wish, including fully automatic firearms”. This would be the epitome of “you better watch out what you ask for, you just might get it”.
Let them whine! Not doing anything is the best they can do for America! Americans should hope that everyday is a day of inaction!
But flooding the country with criminals and terrorists to supplement the criminals that where already here, and taking our means of self defense, is treasonous, and an act of war!