Rep. Steve Israel, D-New York, said Democrats are "going to force" a debate on legislation that would stop individuals on the no-fly list from buying guns. | Getty House Democrats try to force guns votes

Democrats are gumming up the House floor with procedural tactics in an effort to force a vote on gun control.

The move has no chance of succeeding, given united GOP opposition, but it offers Democrats a chance to highlight Republican opposition to gun control legislation that would stop people on the terrorist watch list from buying firearms. Democratic leaders hope the delays will pressure Republicans to back the bill by GOP Rep. Peter King of New York.


The procedural motions did force Republican leaders to pull a series of bills off the floor because of timing issues. After lawmakers vote on changes to a visa-waiver program on Tuesday, the House will adjourn.

Senior Democratic sources said they plan to use similar tactics on Wednesday meaning the House could be in for another slow day.

“We’re going to keep it going for as long as we can,” said New York Rep. Steve Israel, who runs House Democrat's messaging arm. “We’re going to force a debate.”

POLITICO reported Monday that House Democrats were planning several maneuvers this week, all aimed at turning the congressional spotlight to gun control. It started with a discharge petition from Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) on the terrorist watch list measure. That petition needs to get 218 signatures to force a vote, which will be nearly impossible in the face of Republican resistance.

Beyond the procedural gambit Tuesday — lawmakers have taken six roll call votes on a motion to adjourn as of 2:45 p.m. — Democrats also held a forum on gun control and will hold a press conference with advocates from Newton, Conn., the site of the 2012 mass shooting at an elementary school.

“Gun violence is a daily tragedy in America. Congress cannot remain silent in the face of this epidemic that kills so many Americans,” Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement to lawmakers. “In the aftermath of the horrifying attack in San Bernardino, we have a moral responsibility to pass this common-sense legislation to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists and protect America’s communities.”

Israel said the tactics are designed to put Republicans on the spot on a contentious issue.

There is also a separate effort from Thompson and Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy to push Speaker Paul Ryan to allow a vote on the terrorist watch list legislation. A letter sent to Ryan this week — and signed by 62 Democrats — said the legislation was “long overdue.”