Paul Ryan wants to fine people who livestream protests from the House floor. In June, Periscope and Facebook Live feeds showed the prolonged protest, with C-SPAN even picking up a Periscope stream to show viewers an inside view. Already, taking photos or videos on the House floor is prohibited, but this would add an enforcement element, although it's unclear how it would be enforced and if that's allowed. Democrats are pushing back against the proposal. Some say it blocks the public's access to Congressional protests and an inside look into the political system. The proposed fines and restrictions also might not jibe with Article 1 of the Constitution. Some are saying the would-be fines and rules are unconstitutional. It's r house we deserve 2 know what u know! #congress #vets — tommy.chase (@tommychase01) December 28, 2016 So,@HouseGOP wants to fine lawmakers who broadcast from the floor. Is 2017 the year transparency finally dies?
/https%3A%2F%2Fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fcard%2Fimage%2F331434%2F3d9b8f23-4a75-4483-8f7f-55c55538383c.jpg)
Democrats led an epic sit-in (25 hours is nothing to sneeze at) on the House floor last June when House Speaker Paul Ryan refused to vote on gun control bills following the Pulse nightclub massacre.
Livestreams, tweets and other social media posts of the hours-long Democratic refusal to leave chambers spread all over the internet, but now Ryan is proposing a vote in January to bring in rules that fine anyone who uses electronic devices to photograph, film or broadcast from the House floor.
That would keep Democrats and anyone else from showing what happens after the official House cameras and broadcast shuts off. In June, Periscope and Facebook Live feeds showed the prolonged protest, with C-SPAN even…
COMMENTS