House Republican leaders are weighing formal punishment for the Democrats in response to the June “sit-in” that disrupted the floor schedule and at times created a chaotic scene in the chamber.
A GOP leadership aide told the Washington Examiner “it’s being discussed,” but nothing has been finalized or scheduled.
The House returns Sept. 6 from the summer recess.
Democrats seized the House floor June 22 to protest the Republican majority for refusing to take up gun control legislation they favored. They remained on the floor overnight and into the following day.
Democratic lawmakers refused to leave the floor, essentially forcing the GOP to adjourn early for the July 4 recess.
Democrats extended their protest into the day’s legislative session, singing civil rights songs, chanting and hoisting signs during roll call votes.
They also used their mobile devices to stream their protest online despite floor staff telling them they were violating the House rules. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has said she is not worried about GOP punishment.
“I would refer you to Pelosi’s comments earlier when she said, ‘Make my day,” Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said on Sunday, referring to a July 7 press conference.
At the time, Pelosi told reporters she didn’t see where the rules were broken.
“Lawmakers use technology on the floor all the time,” she said.
