Somerset County's Rep. Leonard Lance Speaks Out Against Gun Control Sit-In in Congress

Somerset County Congressman Leonard Lance disagreed with fellow lawmakers who staged a sit-in on the House floor to force a vote on gun control.

“I always prefer to work across the aisle to find solutions to these problems rather than use disruptive tactics that only further turn the wheels of hyper-partisanship in Washington," Lance told Patch. "I am disappointed that the House has adjourned for the July 4 District work period, but I will be working in New Jersey all week on this and other issues facing the Nation."

“I support ‘no fly, no buy’ and am a cosponsor of legislation that bans the sales of guns and explosives to suspected terrorists on the Nation's terror watch list," Lance continued. "And I stand ready to address the issue in a bipartisan way.”

Lance represents the 7th Congressional District which encompasses Bedminster Township, Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Branchburg Township, Bridgewater Township, Far Hills, Green Brook Township, Hillsborough Township, Millstone, Montgomery Township, North Plainfield, Peapack-Gladstone, Raritan,Rocky Hill, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung in Somerset County; and parts of Hunterdon, Morris, Essex, Union and Warren counties.

House Republicans left the Capitol early Thursday morning, after Speaker Paul Ryan reclaimed control around 3 a.m. Thursday, and then adjourned this Congressional session until July 5, hence not allowing any vote on gun control measures to be taken.

A small number of Democrats remain on the floor as of Thursday morning.

Below is a clip of Speaker Ryan trying to reclaim control Wednesday night as Democrats shout over him.

Many shouted "Shame, Shame!" as the Speaker refused to allow any vote on gun control bills.

(Photo: Leonard Lance)

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