Kamala Harris assembly with expelled lawmakers in Tennessee

Vice President Kamala Harris is planning to cease in Nashville, Tennessee, to fulfill with two Democratic state lawmakers expelled from the Republican-controlled General Assembly after taking part in a gun-control protest within the chamber.

The vice chairman’s journey on Friday follows the chamber’s vote on Thursday to expel Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, a transfer that drew swift condemnation from President Biden and Democrats nationwide.

The White House mentioned along with assembly with state lawmakers, Ms. Harris can even meet with younger folks and advocates who’re demanding motion to deal with gun violence within the wake of the Covenant School taking pictures, by which a transgender particular person killed three 9-year-olds and three adults.

“While in Tennessee, the Vice President will make clear what happened in Nashville, continue to call on Congress to renew the assault weapons ban and ensure that in Tennessee and across the nation, the voices of our young people are heard,” a White House official mentioned.

The Tennessee House voted to expel the 2 Democratic lawmakers Thursday for rule violations, however did not oust a 3rd.

The three lawmakers led a protest on the state House flooring final week with out being acknowledged and used a bullhorn to assist demonstrators who flooded the Capitol demanding lawmakers move extra gun controls after the Covenant School taking pictures.

All three lawmakers, who additionally refused dispersal orders by the sergeant at arms, have been faraway from their committee assignments following the demonstration.

Republicans then sought to oust the lawmakers from workplace underneath Article II, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution, which authorizes the House to punish members for “disorderly behavior.” The statute additionally permits the expulsion of a member if two-thirds of all lawmakers vote to take action.

Republicans management the Tennessee House by an amazing majority, with 75 members in comparison with the Democrats’ 23, with one emptiness, whereas the expulsion threshold is 66.

President Biden condemned the expulsions on Thursday, calling the vote “shocking, undemocratic and without precedent.”

The president additionally reiterated his name for Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in addition to different gun management measures.

“We’ve continued to see Republican officials across America double down on dangerous bills that make our schools, places of worship, and communities less safe. Our kids continue to pay the price,” Mr. Biden mentioned, including that the measures will “save lives.”