Tennessee Lawmakers Engage in Controversial Silencing Tactics During Special Session

The GOP-controlled Tennessee House of Representatives voted to silence Democratic Representative Justin Jones, who was expelled earlier this year, during a special session on public safety following a mass shooting. Jones accused Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton of silencing him because he had proposed a vote of no confidence against the speaker. Jones plans to call for another vote of no confidence when the next legislative session begins. Little legislative progress has been made during the special session, with a stalemate between the House and Senate. Gun-related legislation has been largely ignored, despite calls for action from gun control advocates.