Democrats hold House floor in election-year protest on guns

World Today

In this image from video provided by House Television, House Speaker Paul Ryan stands at the podium as he brings the House into session Wednesday night, June 22, 2016, in Washington. Rebellious Democrats staged an extraordinary all-day sit-in on the House floor to demand votes on gun-control bills, shouting down Ryan when he attempted to restore order as their protest stretched into the night. (House Television via AP)

Weary but defiant Democrats commandeered the House floor the morning of June 23, demanding gun-control votes in the aftermath of the Orlando massacre in an extraordinary 24-hour long protest broadcast live to the world by social media.

CCTV America’s Jim Spellman reports.

Democrats hold House floor in election-year protest on guns

Democrats commandeered the Housegun bills pushed by Democrats, to expand background checks and keep people on the no-fly list from getting guns, would take away people’s constitutional rights and deprive them of due process. He noted that the Senate this week rejected similar legislation.

The protest began around 11:30 a.m. on June 22, unfolding on the House floor with little advance warning from the Democrats. Most of the 188 Democrats took turns speaking, joined by dozens of Senate Democrats.

Scattered around the House floor were signs reading “Disarm Hate.”

The sit-in, with Lewis playing a leading role, had the look of a 1960s-style protest. Some lawmakers sat on the floor; others were in their seats.

Rebellious Democrats shut down the House’s legislative work on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, staging a sit-in on the House floor