Sit-in protests are more common on college campuses than the House floor, but that’s what Democratic representatives are doing today. Dozens are staging a sit-in until they are permitted to vote on the “no fly, no buy” gun control measure that has stalled.
Nice try, says a George Mason University policy expert.
“It doesn’t matter what the Democrats do, they don’t control the House,” said Mason’s Robert Guttman. “It’s a nice gesture; it makes the Democrats look like they care more about the issue, but it ultimately won’t go anywhere.”
Experts from George Mason University are available, either in studio or by phone, to help with political analysis.
Jeremy Mayer is an associate professor in the School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs. His areas of research include American government and politics, elections, foreign policy, media politics, public opinion, racial politics and statistical methods. He can be reached at 703-993-8223 or jmayer4@gmu.edu.
Jennifer Victor is a political scientist who specializes in Congress, legislative politics, interest groups and political parties. She is a veteran in front of the camera and can clearly articulate an academic analysis to the conversation. She can be reached at 703-993-3202 or jvictor3@gmu.edu.
Robert Guttman is the founding director of Mason’s Policy and Foreign Relations Center and has been a longtime observer of national politics and political campaigns. He can be reached at rguttman@gmu.edu.
Mark J. Rozell is the author of nine books and editor of 20 books on various topics in U.S. government and politics including the presidency, religion and politics, media and politics, and interest groups in elections. He can be reached at 703-993-8171 or mrozell@gmu.edu.
Frank Shafroth is the director of Mason’s State and Local Government Leadership Center and is a specialist in political ethics and public finance. He can be reached at 703-993-8560 or fshafrot@gmu.edu.
Derek Horstmeyer, a Mason finance professor, can speak on a wide range of business topics and about how government policies affect the business landscape. He can be reached at 703-993-9761 or dhorstme@gmu.edu.
If you need further assistance, please contact Buzz McClain at 703-727-0230 or bmcclai2@gmu.edu, or Michele McDonald at 703-993-8781 or mmcdon15@gmu.edu.
About George Mason
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 34,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility.