More than two dozen House Democrats staged a «sit-in» on the House floor Wednesday in protest of GOP leadership’s refusal to allow a vote on a gun control measure following the Orlando massacre.
Led by Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), the civil rights icon, and more than 40 Democrats walked into the chamber just before noon and pledged to “occupy” the House floor until GOP leadership allowed a vote.
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Democrats have tried numerous times over the past week to force a vote on a so-called «no fly, no buy» bill, which would bar terror suspects on the “no-fly» list from purchasing guns.
“We have been too quiet for too long,” Lewis said. “There comes a time when you have to say something. You have to make a little noise. You have to move your feet. This is the time.”
«How many more mothers? How many more fathers need to shed tears of grief before we do something?» Lewis continued, his voice rising in intensity. «Give us a vote. Let us vote. We came here to do our job. We came here to work.”
The protest seemed to catch Republicans off guard. As another House Democrat prepared to speak, the GOP lawmaker presiding over the chamber suddenly declared the House was in recess and shut off microphones.
Democrats including Reps. Joe Crowley (N.Y.), Donna Edwards (Md.) and John Larson (Conn.) then sat down on the floor by the front podium. They began reading the names of those who died in the June 12 shooting at a Florida nightclub that left 49 dead and 53 wounded.
“No bill, no break,” Democrats chanted, repeating recent demands that House GOP leaders cancel the upcoming House recess until they vote on gun control.
Clyburn led a prayer, as members clasped hands in a circle. «How greatly we ache for those lives lost, those families destroyed, those communities that have been broken because of our refusal to speak up, stand up and support just laws that will ensure safety and security,» Lewis said.
«We’ve had it. We’re not going to watch any more people in this country get slaughtered and do nothing!» Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) yelled during the protest.
«Break the shackles!» Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) said at another point.
Republicans showed no signs of bowing to Democrats’ demand. «The House cannot operate without members following the rules of the institution, so the House has recessed subject to the call of the chair,» AshLee Strong, a spokeswoman for Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), said in a statement.
John Bresnahan contributed.
