House Democrats plan “to be as disruptive … as possible” on the House floor this week in order to pressure Republicans into voting on gun control legislation.
The Congressional Black Caucus will take the lead in the disruptions, following a sit-in led by Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., last month. But the formal plan suggests they might conduct this round of protests in a manner that respects House rules, in contrast to the previous round of demonstrations.
“The CBC memo suggested initial tactics Tuesday will follow traditional forms of House protest — starting with group members giving five-minute speeches on guns when the House first meets at noon, followed by one-minute speeches when the chamber resumes work a couple of hours later,” Fox News’ Chad Pergram reports.
“The group is also asking members during evening votes on non-gun-related issues to hold ‘a printed piece of paper with an image of a constituent killed by a firearm,’ followed by more post-vote speeches.
Lewis’ sit-in lasted 25 hours, as congressional Democrats attempted to carry out a de facto filibuster of votes on pending spending bills. Eventually, House Republicans managed to call a vote over the objections of the Democrats, and then depart for recess.
