Press Releases

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus Vow to Continue Efforts to Address Gun Violence in America

Washington, DC, June 23, 2016

Today, CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) released the following statement following a historic 26-hour sit-in on the House Floor to protest Speaker Ryan and House Republicans’ refusal to allow a vote on bipartisan legislation to address gun violence.  During the sit-in, House Republicans recessed the House of Representatives without bringing gun violence prevention legislation up for a vote. 

“Even as Republicans tried to shut down the Floor and shut out our voices, our historic 26-hour sit-in delivered a stirring message from the American people: No Bill, No Break,” said Chairman Butterfield.  “House Republicans can no longer turn a deaf ear to the clear will of the American people: we will not tolerate more moments of silence for the victims of gun violence without action to prevent the next tragedy.  Sit or stand, members of the Congressional Black Caucus will not rest, and we will not be silent, until Congress has acted to disarm hate.”

House Democrats sat-in for 26 hours on the House Floor to demand Speaker Ryan and House Republicans allow an immediate vote on bipartisan, commonsense gun violence prevention legislation to keep guns out of dangerous hands.  The historic sit-in ended when Republican Leaders adjourned the House for the Fourth of July district work period leaving Washington, D.C. without bringing bipartisan gun violence prevention bills to the floor for a vote. 

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Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns. For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream. To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Person@mail.house.gov