Earlier today, House Democrats ended their 25-hour sit-in on the house floor.
Led by U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, revered for his role in the civil rights movement, Democrats demanded votes on gun control issues such as universal background checks and blocking gun sales to anyone on a no-fly list.
The protest drew a range of reactions from their colleagues and constituents.
U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D- Mich., was one of the first to join Lewis in the sit-in.
“There was a lot of energy on the floor and I think it was sort of borne out of months and years of frustration," Kildee said. "But in some ways for us, it was a chance to actually stand up and do something and say to the country, ‘We think we need to change our approach to these issues of violence with guns and we’re going to use every tool we can.'”
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., however, described the sit-in as a “political ploy” that blocked progress in the House.
“I’m afraid, ultimately, this has continued to poison the well for us to be able to get any work done, including on this issue that they’re concerned about," he said.
Hear more from Kildee and Huizenga above as they explain their views on the Democrat sit-in.
GUESTS
Rep. Dan Kildee represents Michigan’s 5th District. Rep. Bill Huizenga represents Michigan’s 2nd District.
