A screenshot from C-SPAN’s broadcast of the House Democrats’ sit-in last summer to promote legislation to curb gun violence. House Dems to protest GOP move to punish sit-ins

House Democrats will protest Republican efforts to quash future House floor sit-ins by pulling out their phones and holding up copies of the Constitution during a debate on the rules package later Tuesday.

Republicans approved a rules package Monday night that includes a proposal to fine members up to $2,500 for taking photos or videos on the House floor. Democrats have blasted the plan since it was first announced last week, calling it a modern day “gag rule.”


The rules package will be voted on by the House later Tuesday.

Tuesday’s protest is being orchestrated by Reps. John Larson (D-Conn.) and John Lewis (D-Ga.), the architects of Democrats’ 25-hour gun control sit-in over the summer that prompted the GOP rules change.

Larson announced the protest during a Democratic caucus call Tuesday morning, according to an aide on the call.

Members have long been barred from snapping pictures or video on the House floor. The GOP change adds a punishment mechanism—up to $2,500 in fines—to deter potential rulebreakers.

