House Democrats bring pillows, sleeping bags for protest

June 23, 2016 at 1:32 a.m. | Updated June 23, 2016 at 1:32 a.m.

by Associated Press

In this frame grab taken from AP video Georgia Rep. John Lewis, center, leads a sit-in of more than 200 Democrats in demanding a vote on measures to expand background checks and block gun purchases by some suspected terrorists in the aftermath of last week's massacre in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people in a gay nightclub. Rebellious Democrats shut down the House's legislative work on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, staging a sit-in on the House floor and refusing to leave until they secured a vote on gun control measures before lawmakers' weeklong break. (AP Photo)
In this frame grab taken from AP video Georgia Rep. John Lewis, center, leads a sit-in of more than 200 Democrats in demanding a vote on measures to expand background checks and block gun purchases by some suspected terrorists in the aftermath of last week's massacre in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people in a gay nightclub. Rebellious Democrats shut down the House's legislative work on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, staging a sit-in on the House floor and refusing to leave until they secured a vote on gun control measures before lawmakers' weeklong break. (AP Photo)

Lawmakers brought pillows and blankets to the House as the Democratic protest stretched toward midnight.

Rep. Elizabeth Esty of Connecticut had a sleeping bag, while Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts brought Dunkin' Donuts for her House colleagues who were staying awake.

Other lawmakers also brought snacks, including some who broke House rules to eat on the House floor.

Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver II of Missouri, dressed in a pink suit, carried a pink-and-white striped pillow in his hand for several hours as he walked around the House chamber.

Cleaver, a Methodist minister, later was one of several peacemakers to break up a near-fight between a Republican and a Democratic lawmaker.

Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas approached the Democrats and yelled, "Radical Islam!" Democratic Rep. Corrine Brown of Florida started yelling back at him. The two came within inches of each other, both yelling.

Lawmakers from both parties separated the two.

The Democrats halted the day's legislative session with their sit-in and protest. Republicans have struggled to force the House back into session.

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