House Democrats enthusiastically cheered the press Wednesday evening after Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., thanked reporters for their coverage of the Democrats’ pro-gun control “sit-in.”
“Let me begin … by thanking the media,” said the South Carolina congressman from the floor of the House.
Democratic lawmakers then turned to the press gallery and whooped and cheered on members of the press.
House Democrats took control of Congress’s lower house Wednesday, and shut down all legislative business with a “sit-in” they said would continue until GOP leadership agreed to a vote on two gun control measures.
The move comes in the wake of a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., which claimed the lives of 49 people.
Pro-gun control Democrats shouted “No bill, no break” as they took control of the chamber Wednesday while the House was out of session, with many standing or sitting on the floor. Senate Democrats soon joined the protest.
Though House leadership had all microphones and cameras turned off in the chamber, Democrats have been able to broadcast their protest live via a streaming app called “Periscope.”
“Today stands out as a great example of what we mean when we talk about a free press and why we need one. We have some people conspiring to even shut that down,” Clyburn continued.
“But thanks to them,” he said, motioning towards reporters in the press gallery, “the American people got to look in on and listen to what has taken place on this floor. The mics were cut off, the cameras was cut off … but we are still filming!”
At least a few reporters were uncomfortable with the lawmakers’ display of affection:
Rep. Jim Clyburn just turned to us and thanked the media. Round of applause for the media from House Democrats.
This is weird.
— Andrew Desiderio (@desiderioDC) June 23, 2016
