Republicans Trying to Regain Control of House Floor as Democrats Stage Sit-In for Gun Control
Using Sergeant at Arms to Restrict Communications
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan is facing the most challenging moment during his tenure as the nation’s top and most-powerful elected Republican. Democrats Wednesday morning began a sit-in, which is still going on, demanding Speaker Ryan and the powerful House Rules Committee allow a vote on gun control legislation. They vow to not move until a vote is scheduled.
Because Republicans control the House, they also control C-SPAN’s cameras, so the actual House Floor civil disobedience action – which MSNBC just compared to Occupy Wall Street – has not been carried on live television. Republicans also are in control of the actions of the Sergeant at Arms, and are using that official to control communications by House Democrats, including telling them they are not allowed to take photos or video or to post it to social media.
The Sgt at Arms is asking us to stop taking photos and video from House floor. Republicans should turn the cameras back on. #NoBillNoBreak
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) June 22, 2016
Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and about a dozen Democrats just held a press conference on the steps of the Capitol Building explaining they are demanding a vote on gun control legislation before the House breaks for recess at the end of the week.Â
.@NancyPelosi says members are staging a sit-in, because “we cannot even have a vote” https://t.co/svyRLeK1Rm https://t.co/ZLcRXwz3hx
— To2network (@TodosNetwork) June 22, 2016
“Since Orland, approximately 150 people have died from gun violence on the streets of our country” – @NancyPelosi at presser about Dem sitin
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) June 22, 2016
ðŸ‘🽠#Pelosi hails #Democrats who are staging #sitin to protest #gun vote inaction pic.twitter.com/g5H8nx1PZ6
— Sharon I Nelson (@Womenpols) June 22, 2016
Â
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.

Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |