Washington (CNN) House Democrats wrested control of the national spotlight Wednesday, leading a sit-in on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, chanting over Speaker Paul Ryan, all for gun control -- one of the most intractable issue in Congress.

And even with the sit-in's end Thursday afternoon -- without action on gun control -- the fight over the issue isn't over, Democrats say.

Democratic lawmakers, some working on just a few hours of sleep, said that they were invigorated by the protest and had found a way to break through on an issue which has perpetually stalled inside Congress.

"I could show you the text messages, the Facebook messages, tweets, and all forms of social media from people who aren't just saying, 'This is an issue, we need you to deal with it,' but are saying, 'Thank you for finally setting the agenda!' " said Rep. Ted Deutch, a Florida Democrat. "This was the only way for us to do it."

Veteran Democrats said they felt empowered by the demonstration, and it could become a new routine.

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