Charlotte-area congresswoman told the National Rifle Association on Wednesday to “get the Hell out of the way” as lawmakers try to hash out a compromise on gun control legislation.
U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, Democrat from North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District, made the comment as House Democrats staged a sit-in protest to advocate for stricter gun laws in light of the June 12 deadly nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida.
Adams spoke after Democrats occupied the House floor for nearly five hours on Wednesday late afternoon. The protest continued after Adams’ speech with other lawmakers taking turns talking.
The sit-in was broadcast live throughout most of the day by C-SPAN. After Democrats started the protest, Republicans leaders recessed the chamber, forcing the regular political news broadcast to go dark.
$20 for 365 Days of Unlimited Digital Access
Last chance to take advantage of our best offer of the year! Act now!
#ReadLocal
C-SPAN responded by airing video from inside the House chamber via Facebook and Periscope video feeds.
Earlier in the day, Adams posted on Twitter “Proof that tech is the great equalizer. W/O @periscopeco the American people would be left in the dark.”
Proof that tech is the great equalizer. W/O @periscopeco the American people would be left in the dark #holdthefloor https://t.co/IPW2XHzwqg
— Alma S. Adams (@RepAdams) June 22, 2016
During her brief sit-in speech, Adams said Democrats want action, not just prayers and moments of silence for gun violence victims.
“Silence is just not enough ... Gun control is out of control,” she said. “We can’t just talk the talk. We’ve got to walk the walk.”
She then turned her comments toward Republican House members and the gun lobby – specifically the NRA.
North Carolina’s other Democrats in Congress – U.S. Reps. G.K. Butterfield and David Price – also participated in Wednesday’s sit-in.
Anna Douglas: 202-383-6012, @ADouglasNews
Comments