Congresswoman Clark Speaks Out on Moment of Silence Walkout

By ALEX NEWMAN (Patch Staff)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Katherine Clark is joining several lawmakers in calling for further action in the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

Rep. Clark (D-MA), who represents the state's 5th District, was one of a handful of Democrats who left the floor during the House of Representatives' moment of silence on Monday for those killed during a shooting at an Orlando nightclub.

According to a report by CBS, the exchange and protest began after Jim Clyburn (D-SC) attempted to ask House Speaker Paul Ryan when gun control legislation would be considered. Ryan did not recognize Clyburn's question, prompting Democrats to yell, "Where's the bill?" and "No leadership!" after the moment of silence.

Clark took to social media Monday to explain why a moment of silence wasn't enough:

The congresswoman told Patch that her decision to make a statement was fueled by inaction in the wake of previous mass killings.

"What i see taking place in the House - heartbreakingly - over and over is that we have these moments of silence and that's the only action that we ever take," Clark said. "I feel that to truly honor these families and address the public health crisis of gun violence and protect and increase the security of Americans, we have to do more than be silent. We have to act."
She said that her office received an "outpouring of support" for her decision to leave the floor, which she took as an indication that the American people want change.

"People are really looking to Congress to finally show some courage and leadership and bring forward these proposals to the floor," Clark said.

She described many of the gun control measures lawmakers have attempted to propose as "common sense," including prohibiting an individual on a terrorist watch list from purchasing a weapon.

Clark currently sits on the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce and the Committee on Science, Space and Technology. She serves as a Senior Whip in the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of several other caucuses, including the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Women's Caucus. She is also a member of the Steering and Policy Committee.

>>>Photo via Congresswoman Katherine Clark's official website