Iowa Democrats Leave Capitol, Stalling Gun Debate
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- House Democrats have left the Statehouse, stalling debate on two measures dealing with gun rights.
The House had been scheduled on Wednesday morning to debate the gun-rights measures. One would allow people to use deadly force to protect themselves and the other calls for writing gun rights protections into the Iowa Constitution.
When the House came into session, Democrats asked for a break to hold a closed door caucus, but they quickly left the building.
House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy says Democrats took the action because Republicans didn't tell them they would debate the bills, which he labeled as extreme.
House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says Republicans told Democrats in advance of their plans for debating the measures.
Republicans hold a 60 seat to 40 seat majority in the House.
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