WASHINGTON (Sputnik), Leandra Bernstein — House Democrats are demanding a vote on two gun-control measures, one preventing individuals on the terrorist no-fly list from buying guns, and the other requiring more extensive background checks. Some congressmen want additional measures, including the reinstatement of the 1994 assault weapons ban, and limits on the sale of high-capacity magazines.
The House leadership shut off the microphones, and the C-SPAN video feed that broadcasts live legislative sessions was also cut. Video coverage from inside the House chamber is currently being broadcast by members using their smart phones.
"The Republicans canceled the House session rather than deal with this [anti-gun legislation]," Nadler said on Wednesday during a sit-in protest staged by dozens of House Democrats.
The House was gavelled into session earlier in the morning with two series of votes scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
"[Republicans] tried to start doing business, we kept shouting, ‘No bill, no break.’ They couldn’t shut us up, so they just adjourned the House," Nadler explained.
Nadler speculated that Republicans are likely trying to figure out how to deal with the revolt on the House floor.
"I think if we get a vote it would pass, and that is why the Republicans won’t allow a vote, because they are afraid of that."
The sit-in protest is now in its sixth hour with more than sixty members of the House occupying the House chamber. The congressmen have been joined by at least a half dozen Democratic senators, including Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
