GOP Talkathon Part IV: Come On Down

By Daniel W. Reilly

(The Politico)  With the public viewing galleries shutting down for the night, Rep. Kevin Brady has just invited everyone down to the House floor to keep the protest going.

It has been quite the scene on the House floor this afternoon, as GOP staff members have kept the chamber filled with an eclectic assortment of people.

Boy Scouts, members of the German army, stray tourists and even members in shorts and t-shirts have all been spotted on the floor at different times.

While Democrats have privately decried the breakdown in order, Republicans defended the protest.

"You are not witnessing a revolt," said Rep. Mike Pence. "You are witnessing democracy in action."

Rep. Donald Manzullo also delivered a passionate speech, saying today was his late father's birthday.

After relating how his father, an Italian immigrant, came to live in Illinois and own a little grocery store,  Manzullo brought the crowd to its feet with this line: "The people of this country are rising up and saying, 'We want our country back!'"