Rallying around their cry, "No bill, no break," House Democrats pressed on early Thursday in their sit-in calling for a vote on gun control legislation before leaving on their Independence Day break.
Led by civil rights icon John Lewis of Georgia, Democrats pledged to remain in the House in a “sit-in” until legislation is brought forward.
Republicans initially responded with gavel-banging and demanding order on the floor. When Democrats refused to disperse, Republicans recessed the chamber and turned off the microphones. Although lights continued to shine, proceedings ceased to be televised, because video is fed from the chamber only when it is in session.
Democrats responded by launching their own broadcasts, using the mobile application Periscope on their cellular phones. A non-profit U.S. cable outfit that covers congressional proceedings (C-Span) began broadcasting the Periscope feeds.