Union County's Rep. Frank Pallone Takes Part in Gun Control Sit-In in Congress

By Carly Baldwin (Patch Staff)

Union County, NJ - Your Union County Congressman Frank Pallone was one of the Congresspeople staging a historic sit-in on the House floor to force a vote on gun control.

Pallone, a Democrat, tweeted Wednesday night: "Continuing to stand with my colleagues and sit-in for change. #NoBillNoBreak #HoldTheFloor

Pallone represents the 6th Congressional District, which stretches from North Plainfield in Union County to Sayreville, parts of Old Bridge, all along the Bayshore (Aberdeen, Hazlet, Holmdel, Middletown) and then Long Branch, as well as Marlboro Township. His district also includes Middlesex County, including New Brunswick and Woodbridge.

The sit-in started Wednesday morning. Many other New Jersey elected Democrats took part, as well, such as Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman, who tweeted Wednesday night she had been sitting on the floor for 13 hours, 28 minutes and counting.

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.