U.S. Reps. Ed Perlmutter of Arvada and Diana DeGette of Denver are among Democrats who are staging a sit-in on the House floor Wednesday. They're upset that House leaders won't allow votes on some proposed gun laws.
“It shouldn’t take members of Congress holding a protest to get a vote on common sense gun violence prevention measures that are supported by the majority of the American people," Perlmutter said in a statement. "But if that’s what is needed to demand action, that’s what we will do."
One of the proposals is aimed at preventing suspected terrorists from buying guns. Another would expand background checks. The sit-in comes after the Senate failed to approve the measures earlier this week in the aftermath of the Orlando nightclub mass shooting.
The New York Times reports about 50 lawmakers took part in the protest, including some senators. They vow to hold up business in the House until Speaker Paul Ryan allows the votes.
