House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday that the House will soon announce disciplinary action against Democrats who conducted a floor protest in June, telling reporters, “Our goal and our job is to protect the institution.”
Ryan would not disclose the options or when they would be announced. Lawmakers are mulling, among the options, a rules change or a floor vote disapproving of their floor takeover, which lasted from June 22-23.
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“You’ll see what we have when we have it,” Ryan said. “We’ll announce it when we’re ready.”
Democrats took over the floor and disrupted legislative business with singing, chants and signs hoisted in range of the House floor cameras. The chaotic scene aired live on C-SPAN and Democrats, in violation of the House rules, live-streamed from the chamber.
“Our goal and our job is to protect the institution, so that democracy can work, so that this republic can function and so the House of Representatives can get its job done,” the Wisconsin Republican said. “And also so we can have comity here, so that Republicans and Democrats can actually talk with one another and be reasonable with another.”
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said she is unconcerned about a GOP reprimand and has noted many lawmakers use electronic devices in the chamber. In June, she dared Republicans at a press conference to take some action.
“Make my day,” she said.
