![]() ![]() Some were positively congenial, as was the case on Oct. Not all pro formas spurred such partisan tensions, however. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., gaveled out without recognizing either member. Russ Carnahan, D-Mo., came to the floor intending to ask GOP leaders to deal with looming sequestration cuts, but Rep. Larson of Connecticut, hammered home their message, using the hashtag #donothingGOP to harangue Republicans for failing to address what they deemed top priorities, including the Violence Against Women Act, the farm bill, a Democratic jobs bill, expiring tax rates and the looming sequestration. Clyburn of South Carolina and Democratic Caucus Chairman John B. Rob Woodall, R-Ga., gaveled the minutes-long session to a close without granting them time to speak.Īt a press conference following the event, a group of 14 Democrats, including Pelosi, Hoyer, Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Hoyer of Maryland came to the floor, but Rep. 2 pro forma session, Democratic House leaders including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Minority Whip Steny H. Their messaging quickly turned into posturing, however, as the Republican chair routinely gaveled out, leaving Democrats little opportunity beyond a bevy of press releases.ĭuring a particularly awkward Oct. Throughout the month of October, Democrats from nearby Maryland and Virginia, as well as from California, Texas, Massachusetts and Missouri consistently attended each session asking to speak on the floor. “Sadly, the gentlewoman has not put forward a proper parliamentary inquiry,” responded LaTourette, who then brought the 11-minute session to a close. “For the purposes of a parliamentary inquiry, Democrats are committed to return to Washington to continue the work of the people, and I would ask my Republican colleagues to join us,” Edwards said. Reading from prepared remarks, Edwards posed two parliamentary inquiries, which came out less as questions than not-so-subtle barbs. LaTourette, R-Ohio, recognized Maryland Democrat Donna Edwards’ request for floor time. ![]() 14, used what limited floor opportunities they had to mount an aggressive messaging campaign, blasting Republicans for leaving Washington, D.C., with a gamut of unfinished business. Democrats, angry that GOP leaders scheduled only eight days of legislative activity between Aug. The House passed a few housekeeping items by unanimous consent during late September’s pro forma sessions but quickly followed the Senate’s lead and often gaveled in for less than three minutes.īut that’s not to say that all was quiet on Capitol Hill. Taking full advantage of this, the Senate consistently concluded its pro forma sessions in less than one minute and conducted no legislative business throughout the seven-week break. The Constitution sets no conditions on the length or productivity of each session it requires only that the chambers formally meet. Pro forma (Latin for “as a matter of form”) sessions are held to satisfy the constitutional prohibition on either chamber adjourning for more than three days without the consent of the other.
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