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Rediff.com  » News » US Democrats end House sit-in protest over gun control

US Democrats end House sit-in protest over gun control

Last updated on: June 24, 2016 05:38 IST
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The United States Democrats have ended their sit-in protest over gun control after more than 24 hours occupying the Congress.

Congressman John Lewis, who launched the sit-in Wednesday morning that eventually drew 170 lawmakers, lit up social media, and infuriated House Republicans -- but spurred no legislative action -- said the fight was not over.

"We must come back here on July 5 [when Congress returns to session] more determined than ever before," Lewis said.

He also tweeted, "We got in trouble. We got in the way. Good trouble. Necessary Trouble. By sitting-in, we were really standing up."

Lawmakers spent the night refusing to yield the floor as they shared stories of how gun violence had affected their voters and posted on social media.

The protest comes in the wake of the recent shootings in Orlando, the deadliest in modern US history.

Republicans adjourned the session despite Democratic attempts to force a vote before beginning a holiday break.

Congressmen chanted "no bill, no break" and sang 1960s-era protest songs on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Lawmakers said that during the July 4 break, they would take the issue to their districts.

"We are going back to our congressional districts -- we are going to engage our constituents on this subject, and we will not allow this body feel as comfortable as in the past," Rep. Jim Clyburn said. "On July 5, we will return, and at that time we will be operating on a new sense of a purpose."

Photographs Courtesy: @RepEsty/Twitter

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