WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX-32), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, today released the following statement in response to the Democrats’ dilatory tactics to obstruct the work in the people’s House this week:

“It is important that the American people recognize what went on yesterday for what it is – what happened on the House floor was a culmination of the House Democrats’ frustration that their dreams of a liberal socialist utopia have failed.  After eight years of Barack Obama’s attempts to make America look like his hometown of Chicago, House Democrats are disillusioned and want to double down on their floundering agenda.

“Eight years ago, Democrats pinned their hopes on an international rock star who promised hope, change, and an America that looked vastly different than it ever had before.  Eight years later, Democrats look around and see how their failures have caused a race to the bottom. They see an America where the economy is sputtering, where job growth is negligible, where health care costs are rising rapidly, where our border remains porous, and where America’s allies no longer trust us and our foes no longer fear us.  Instead of working to stop radical Islamic terrorism, the president and his party have left the American people more fearful and less safe.

“This helps explain why House Democrats channeled their frustration in an unprecedented fashion.  After two election cycles in which their membership has continued to dwindle, Democrats attempted to seize power where they have very little.  Instead of following 228 years of institutional decorum and decency, Democrats marched to the floor, surrounded the microphones, and demanded a vote on tired old ideas that would do nothing to solve the issue of gun violence perpetuated by Islamic jihadists like the one who attacked Orlando.

“The American people can see through stunts like this.  The Republican majority has a responsibility to govern, and we will continue to govern no matter how disillusioned House Democrats remain.  I will not fall victim to the tyrannical antics of the minority.  Instead, Republicans should stick to our common sense ideas consistent with the rule of law that will keep the American people safe.”

Congressman Sessions represents District 32 and is Chairman of the House Rules Committee. You can contact Sessions via email at https://sessions.house.gov/contact/email