Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
Wed Jun 22, 2016, 08:54 PM Jun 2016

House sit-in reported in German press: Deutsche Welle

House Democrats stage sit-in for gun control

Democrats have staged a sit-in on the House floor demanding the chamber vote on stricter gun control measures. House Speaker Paul Ryan has called the demonstration a publicity stunt.


More than 200 Democratic lawmakers blocked the House's legislative agenda on Wednesday, taking to the floor in a bid to force a vote on stricter gun control legislation in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando.

Led by Georgia Rep. John Lewis, the lawmakers are demanding the House vote to expand background checks and prevent gun purchases for people on certain government watch lists.

Give us a vote! Let us vote! We came here to do our job, we came here to work! The American people are demanding action. #holdthefloor
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) June 22, 2016

Gun legislation has moved to the top of the US political agenda in the election year after a gunman who claimed allegiance to the so-called "Islamic State" shot up a gay night club in Orlando, killing 49 people.

"How many more mothers, how many more fathers need to shed tears of grief before we do something?" Lewis, a veteran civil rights leader, said from the floor.

"Today we come to the well of the House to dramatize the need for action, not next month, not next year, but today," he said.

Thank you John Lewis for leading on gun violence where we need it most. https://t.co/vctfqAH5Wt
— President Obama (@POTUS) June 22, 2016


By late afternoon, 168 House Democrats and 34 Senate Democrats had joined the protest in front of the speaker's podium. Some sat in seats, others sat on the ground.

"No bill, no break," the Democrats shouted, referring to the legislative break next week.

The protest forced the Republican-led House to go into recess.

"The House cannot operate without members following the rules of the institution, so the House has recessed subject to the call of the chair," said AshLee Strong, spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Read more:

http://www.dw.com/en/house-democrats-stage-sit-in-for-gun-control/a-19349111
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
House sit-in reported in German press: Deutsche Welle (Original Post) Surya Gayatri Jun 2016 OP
The sit-in is getting press coverage from all over the world. Eugene Jun 2016 #1
The world is watching.... sheshe2 Jun 2016 #2

Eugene

(61,595 posts)
1. The sit-in is getting press coverage from all over the world.
Wed Jun 22, 2016, 09:15 PM
Jun 2016

It's headline news on BBC, The Guardian, Xinhua, AFP, France 24, etc.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»House sit-in reported in ...