Campaign Action
Democratic leaders have called upon Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to call the Senate back into special session to deal with gun safety legislation; a call being echoed by rank-and-file Democrats in Congress as well as presidential candidates.
They don't have to wait for him to act.
Schumer tweeted at McConnell, "Stop blocking gun safety reforms over 90% of Americans support. Gavel the Senate into emergency session to take immediate action on the bipartisan, House-passed universal background checks legislation." Pelosi told members on a conference call Monday that they need to maintain pressure on McConnell on strengthening background checks.
They can do more. Pelosi can bring the House back in to session at any time, though they've already done their work on background checks, so that would be symbolic. Schumer can bring his Senate Democrats back, even if McConnell doesn't call an emergency session. The Senate is in pro forma sessions through the rest of the month, meaning it's not adjourned and is officially open. The next gaveling in is Tuesday morning at 9:00. Democrats wouldn't be able to pass legislation, but the could galvanize this moment. It's time to act. McConnell is feeling the pressure, finally, of being in the national spotlight for his obstruction, stinging from the "Moscow Mitch" moniker that followed him home this weekend.
With the nation's attention riveted, Democrats have leverage to at the very least increase pressure on McConnell, and possibly even get something positive done for once. If nothing else, a floor occupation like the one led by Rep. John Lewis in the House after the Pulse massacre in Florida in 2016 would show the nation Democrats are ready to act, that it's just Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell standing in their way.
If you don’t have a Democratic senator, you can still sign on to tell them to raise hell about gun violence.