Tuesday's pro forma: LaTourette vs. Connolly

The House briefly gaveled into session on Tuesday morning for the start of the fifth week of pro forma sessions, and as usual, the presiding Republican blocked a Democrat from speaking by quickly adjourning.

But Tuesday's meeting could be a sign that Democratic attempts to talk on the House floor and call on the House to return to work might be winding down.

For the last four weeks, various Democrats have asked to speak, and when denied the chance, have spoken anyway as the presiding Republican walks out of the chamber. Because the House has been out of session, none of these remarks by Democrats are part of the formal House record.

But this time around, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) asked to be recognized, but was ignored by presiding officer Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio), who gaveled the session closed. Then, seconds after LaTourette started to leave, Connolly also walked away from his microphone.

The House is expected to hold one more pro forma this week, and stay in pro forma for the following two weeks before returning on Nov. 13.

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