House Democrats took a dramatic stance in support of gun reform this week by staging a sit-in on the floor of the House. The protest began on Wednesday around 11:30 a.m. and ended a little more than 24 hours later on Thursday.
Throughout the protest, over 170 politicians sat on the floor of the House, calling for a vote on gun control. Senator Elizabeth Warren even brought tired and hungry lawmakers Dunkin Donuts. House Speaker Paul Ryan put a stop to the sit-in by ending the voting session early for their July 4th break. The House will not reconvene until July 5th.
“I have to say, I was very proud to take part in that sit-in, and very proud of our colleague Katherine Clark whose idea it was and who really led the way, and worked with our esteemed leader John Lewis, who has such moral authority in our caucus and in our congress,” said Massachusetts Representative Niki Tsongas on Boston Public Radio Friday.
Tsongas, along with other House Democrats, is frustrated by Republicans blocking their ability to vote on gun reform. They decided to take action after the seemingly never-ending incidents of gun violence, and after hearing the voices of the families who have been affected by gun violence, says Tsongas. “ The sit-in, I think, drew attention to our frustration, but also because we wanted to represent the voices of people who want us to act. I can’t tell you how often I go back the district, and after we’ve had some terrible shooting which too many lives are lost, and people ask why don’t we do something.”
House Democrats have vowed to go back to their districts during the break and continue to talk to their constituency about gun reform. “When we come back on July 5th, it will not be business as usual. So we have to continue to work this. We will continue to build pressure on the Republican leadership to move these bills,” said Tsongas
Listen to Boston Public Radio's interview with Representative Niki Tsongas above.
