House Democrats ended their takeover of the House floor shortly after 1 p.m. Thursday, a protest that began more than 24 hours ago.
But they pledged to continue some form of protest when the House returns from the July 4 recess.
“We must come back here on July 5 more determined than ever before,” said Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., who led the protest for Democrats on the floor.
Democrats remained on the House floor throughout legislative business Wednesday and throughout the night, demanding the GOP allow votes on two gun control measures. The protest effectively shut down the House, although lawmakers squeezed out a series of votes in the early morning hours Thursday.
House GOP leaders turned off the House cameras and microphones, but didn’t go so far as to turn out the lights, as Democrats did when Republicans were in the minority in 2008.
“The American people are with us and the people around the world are with us,” Lewis said.
Democrats were leaving the chamber Thursday afternoon, and headed to the east front of the Capitol, where dozens of sit-in supporters are standing.
