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Explore our coverage of government and politics.

Welch Discusses Why He Joined House Floor Sit-In Over Gun Control

Rep. Peter Welch's Office, courtesy
Rep. Peter Welch sits in protest on the floor of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday

Vermont Congressman Peter Welch joined fellow Democrats in a protest on the House floor that ultimately stretched 25 hours, and put a spotlight on the national debate over federal gun laws. He joins us on Vermont Edition on Monday to explain why he participated in the sit-in, and what he wants to happen next.

On Wednesday, Welch said of the sit-in, "this thing has just expanded into something that I think really reflects the enormous frustration the American people have with the inability of Congress to even have a discussion about common-sense gun legislation." The protest continued through the night, prompting Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan to call the Congress into recess a few days ahead of a scheduled break.

We speak with Welch about what, if anything, the sit-in changed in the gun debate, the substance of the gun bills that haven't been acted on, and what Democrats will do next when Congress returns after the July Fourth recess.

Broadcast live on Monday, June 27, 2016, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Patti is an integral part of VPR's news effort and part of the team that created Vermont Edition. As executive producer, Patti supervises the team that puts Vermont Edition on the air every day, working with producers to select and research show ideas, select guests and develop the sound and tone of the program.
Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
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