Post by bot on Jun 26, 2016 16:11:44 GMT -5
Democrats Stage a Sit-In on the House Floor to Call for Action to Address Gun Violence
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
This week, I was proud to join with my Democratic colleagues for a sit-in on the House Floor to demand House Republicans hold a vote on legislation to address gun violence. For nearly twenty-six hours Democrats held the Floor, and though cameras in the chamber were off, Members continued to speak out and demand action. Moments of silence for the victims of gun violence and their families are not enough—Congress must act to keep Americans safe by passing common-sense measures, such as passing legislation to ban those on the terrorism watch list from purchasing a gun and expanding background checks on all who seek to purchase a gun. Even though Republicans adjourned the House and left town without taking action, Democrats are resolved to carry the fight forward for as long as it takes.
During the sit-in, House Republicans forced through a vote on a partisan bill that fails to provide the necessary resources to respond to the Zika virus and attacks women’s health. The legislation was brought to the Floor in the dead of night, and Republican leaders refused to allow any time for debate or review of the bill. Not only does it provide inadequate resources, but it also restricts women’s access to contraceptive care. The passage of this legislation is yet another example of blatant partisanship and the lack of regular order in the House of Representatives. I urge Republicans to work with Democrats to responsibly fund a response to the Zika crisis.
Finally, I’m disappointed by the Supreme Court’s deadlock in the case against President Obama’s executive actions on immigration. President Obama acted within his legal authority to create the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans program and expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to keep families together. I continue to believe strongly that the President’s actions are constitutional, and I urge Republicans in Congress to work with Democrats to abandon their attempts to tear families apart and work with Democrats to enact comprehensive immigration reform. The deadlocked decision further highlights the necessity of a confirmation vote for Supreme Court Justice nominee Judge Merrick Garland, and I wll continue to call on Senate Republicans to allow the confirmation process to move forward.