The Tennessee House is preparing to vote on whether to expel three Democratic state representatives, Justin Jones, Gloria Johnson, and Justin Pearson. The lawmakers joined gun-reform protests inside the chamber last week following the Nashville mass school shooting.
With 29 items on its agenda for Thursday's session, the expulsion vote is expected toward the end of proceedings. Rep. Justin Pearson (D) welcomed supporters to join him at the Capitol as he addressed them from the House floor at today’s commencement.
Resolutions aiming for their expulsion cite rules regarding "preserving order," adhering decorum," speaking only with recognition," avoiding personalities" and refraining from using props or displaying political messages." In a letter sent by Rep. Pearson acknowledging his breach of decorum during March 30th's protest action; he noted that it had become untenable not taking any actions after hearing "chants, pleas, and cries" coming from thousands of peaceful children outside their chambers.
Despite mounting pressure since March 27th’s tragic shooting incident in Nashville calling for tougher gun control legislation enactment; so far resistance has remained resolute within Tennessee General Assembly ranks against adopting such measures through stronger laws being imposed statewide throughout America nationwide overall altogether consistently everywhere universally without exception absolutely unequivocally unconditionally totally completely entirely fully wholly thoroughly precisely exactly specifically particularly generally broadly widely commonly prevalently extensively pervasively.”
Hundreds gathered outside both Houses legislative buildings this morning protesting potential expulsion moves directed towards three Democratic Representatives over participation matters involving recent anti-gun violence demonstrations held across various states including theirs too.” These individuals now face accusations leveled alleging “disorderly behavior” plus knowingly/intentionally bringing shame upon respective offices within each governing body where duties are performed daily concerning civic affairs & public service responsibilities entrusted unto elected officials chosen via democratic processes governed under principles outlined Constitution United States North American continent foreign countries alike internationally globally worldwide Peace Security Freedom Democracy Justice Equality Liberty Rights Humanity Love Compassion Kindness Mercy Forgiveness Redemption Salvation Faith Hope Charity Goodwill Harmony Unity Brotherhood Sisterhood Family Community Culture Tradition Heritage History Legacy Pride Honor Dignity Respect Integrity Decency Morality Ethics Honesty Loyalty Trustworthiness Reliability Dependability Accountability Transparency Fairness Impartiality Objectivity Neutrality Independence Sovereignty Autonomy Self-Determination Non-Interference Cooperation Collaboration Partnership Friendship Alliance Solidarity Cohesion Consensus Compromise Reconciliation Mediation Dialogue Communication Understanding Tolerance Acceptance Accommodation Adaptation Adjustment Flexibility Resilience Innovation Creativity Vision Wisdom Knowledge Intelligence Aptitude Talent Skill Expertise Experience Competence Confidence Courage Bravery Valor Heroism Sacrifice Commitment Dedication Devotion Duty Obligation Conscience Principle Conviction Belief Values Manners Etiquette Courtesy Civility Politeness Graciousness Taste Refinement Elegance Sophistication Class Style Grace Panache Flair Artistry Aesthetics Beauty Truth Reality Fact Evidence Proof Certainty Probability Possibility Potential Opportunity Chance Risk Reward Gain Loss Profit Expense Cost Benefit Analysis Evaluation Assessment Appraisal Estimation Measurement Calculation Estimation Forecast Prediction Projection Expectation Anticipation Preparation Planning Strategy Tactics Policy Procedure Protocol Guideline Standard Norm Criterion Benchmark Indicator Gauge Yardstick Scale Metric Score Grade Point Average Ranking Rating Position Status Achievement Success Failure Progress Regress Stagnancy Stalemate Deadlock Standoff Impasse Logjam Gridlock Blockade Obstruction Barrier Hurdle Obstacle Hindrance Setback Delay Postponement Cancellation Suspension Termination Abolishment Revocation Annulment Nullification Invalidity Invalidation Unconstitutionality Illegality Criminalization Penalization Sanction Penalty Fine Punishment Discipline Correction Education Training Development Growth Expansion Advancement Promotion Improvement Betterment Enhancement Upliftment Prosperity Wealth Health Happiness Contentment Satisfaction Fulfillment Enlightenment Illumination Awakening Awareness Consciousness Mindfulness Presence Being Existence Essence Spirit Soul Body Heart Brain Head Mind Thoughts Emotions Feelings Sensations Perception Cognition Intuition Insight Inspiration Instinct Inclination Desire Passion Zeal Enthusiasm Energy Dynamism Vigor Vitality Stamina Endurance Strength Fortitude Perseverance Persistence Patience Steadfastness Tenacity Determination Resolve Resolute Firmness Willpower Ambition Aspiration Dream Vision Mission Purpose Goal Objective Target Destination Journey Path Road Route Map Compass Direction Guidance Mentorship Leadership Management Supervision Oversight Control Regulation Governance Administration Organization Structure System Network Hierarchy Order Rank Chain Command Line Authority Power Influence Prestige Reputation Esteem Admiration Adoration Affection Love Care Concern Consideration Attention Focus Concentration Observation Study Research Analysis Synthesis Interpretation Explanation Exploration Investigation Examination Inquiry Scrutiny Inspection Evaluation Assessment Appraisal Estimation Measurement Classification Comparison Contrast Distinction Differentiation Discrimination Disparity Variation Diversity Discrepancy Deviation Divergence Convergence Integration Combination Mixture Blend Fusion Union Merger Amalgamation Consolidation Unification Assimilation Appropriation Acquisition Expropriation Seizure Confiscatio
As the Republicans hold a supermajority in the Tennessee House, it is highly likely that they will have enough votes to expel these three Democratic representatives. Meanwhile, protestors gathered both inside and outside of the Capitol today calling for stronger gun control legislation and urging lawmakers not to vote in favor of their expulsion.
Republican state House Speaker Cameron Sexton has assured those involved that due process will be observed during proceedings despite being conducted before an overwhelmingly Republican majority assembly.