Republicans block Reps. Connolly, Carnahan in latest pro forma

House Republicans on Tuesday afternoon kept up their practice of blocking Democratic attempts to call on the House to return to work.

In a 2 p.m. pro forma session, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.) quickly gaveled the session open, asked for a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, and then quickly gaveled the House closed until 10 a.m. Friday morning.

As she closed the session, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) asked several times to be heard for a parliamentary inquiry. Democrats have made that request as a way to gain time on the floor to ask that the House return to work on looming issues like the possible tax hike at the end of this year.

But Beutler ignored his request, and like other Republicans, left the chamber as Democrats remained on the floor. Connolly was joined by Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.).

Democrats have spent the last several weeks trying to seize time in the House to protest the early adjournment this year, which most members have used to work on their congressional campaigns. The decision by Republicans not to recognize Democrats to speak means none of their comments after the fact are reflected in the official record of Congress.

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