Florida Democrats joined the chorus of U.S. House Democrats in a sit-in on the House floor to demand a vote over gun control legislation.
Led by Rep. John Lewis, House Democrats flooded the floor and prevented new business from being heard on the House floor. They gave gun violence speeches on the floor, chanted and sang during the sit-in.
“No bill, no break!” they shouted.
The sit-in began at 11:25 a.m. Wednesday and carried on well into Wednesday evening. Democrats called for a need to tighten gun laws nationwide after a series of proposals failed on the Senate floor this week. Lawmakers introduced those measures after a mass shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub which left 50 people dead and dozens wounded.
House minority leader Nancy Pelosi said the Democrats were looking for votes similar to two failed proposals brought forth by Democrats this week. One of the measures would have banned gun sales for people on the terrorism watch list and another would have expanded background checks for gun buyers.
Florida’s Democratic representatives made their voices heard, too, while the sit-in waged on.
"I am sick and tired of burying little black boys every weekend,” said Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla.
Democratic Reps. Ted Deutch, Alan Grayson, Kathy Castor, and plenty other Florida Democrats all turned out on the House floor to force Republicans to hold a vote on gun control measures.
Dems used Twitter’s Periscope live-video feature to highlight their time on the House floor, posting on social media to get the word out about their protest after Republicans went into recess and cut coverage of the House floor.
For hours, Democrats continued their sit-in, prepared with sleeping bags to stay in the chamber overnight.
Republicans, including those from Florida, dismissed Democrats’ actions as cries for publicity instead of actually trying to debate issues.
“Rather than have a candid and honest discussion about gun control and gun rights, we have witnessed the Democrats of the House deny Americans an open and transparent conversation by shutting down the House floor,” said Florida Republican Rep. Ted Yoho. “No votes, no work, no debate. We have seen the greatest display of political posturing for TV time, votes, and campaign donations today by House Democrats. Shame on them for using a National tragedy to raise money for their campaigns.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
Comments
So, Frederika Wilson, you are
Keep reading this drivel and
If "The Hat" aka Frederika
Elizabeth warren provided the
Of course you're speaking of
"I am sick and tired of
It's obvious the Democrat
Amazingly, while so many
Amen!!
Sitting in circles and
What a perfectly empty
The Florida Democrat
Unfortunately it seems that
This is not a 'sit-in',.. It
I remember similar criticism
Our Tax dollars at work -
Dylann Storm Roof was neither
This is a valid point. And