Democrats Staging Sit-in on House Floor to Protest Inaction on Guns

Representatives Elizabeth Esty and John Lewis participate in a House Democrat sit-in staged to protest inaction on gun votes in Washington, June 22, 2016. Elizabeth Esty/Twitter

(ABC News/WOLO)- Roughly a dozen House Democrats are engaged in a sit-in on the House floor to protest GOP inaction on gun violence.

Led by Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, the members, chanting “no bill, no break,” plan to stay on the floor “as long as we can,” said Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich.

Democrats also tweeted from the House floor.

I’m on the House floor with @repjohnlewis & Dems staging a sit-in to demand action on commonsense gun legislation pic.twitter.com/byIivby5gG

— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) June 22, 2016

Democrats want votes on the “no fly, no buy” and background check measures before the July 4 recess, which GOP leaders don’t appear open to scheduling.

Unlike their Senate counterparts, House Democrats don’t have the same ability to filibuster and force action.

Thank you John Lewis for leading on gun violence where we need it most. https://t.co/vctfqAH5Wt

— President Obama (@POTUS) June 22, 2016

89 deaths every day from #gunviolence in America. I will continue to #holdthefloor with @repjohnlewis until we get a vote. #NoBillNoBreak

— James E. Clyburn (@Clyburn) June 22, 2016