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What Is Paul Ryan Doing Right Now?

by Emily Shire

As Democrats come close to hitting the 24-hour mark of their House of Representatives gun control sit-in, Republicans have formally adjourned in adherence with scheduled the July 4 recess. Democrats have refused to leave the House, even when a U.S. Capitol Police officer asked them to leave for a morning security sweep, according to the Washington Post, to which House minority leader Nancy Pelosi responded, “We won’t be able to do that ... Perhaps, later today." As people wait for the Republicans next move, many are wondering: where is Paul Ryan during the sit-in?

Ryan certainly does not appear to be moved by Democrats' efforts and does not appear to be returning to the House for the time being. The House Speaker has referred to the sit-in as a "publicity stunt" and told CNN, "This isn't trying to come up with a solution to a problem. This is trying to get attention." He gaveled the House at around 10 p.m. Wednesday night for a vote on Zika-related legislation. According to his official schedule on his website, he will be attending various committee hearings, including one on "Examining EPA's Proposed Groundwater Rule In-Situ Uranium Recovery." His press spokesperson, AshLee Strong, did not immediately respond to Bustle's request for comment on the House Speaker's schedule.