Update Friday 10:45: Republican senators were still absent Friday morning, extending their walkout from Senate floor sessions into a second day. It’s unclear how much negotiation is happening between Senate Democratic leadership and the absconded GOP.
Original story:
Gov. Kate Brown authorized the Oregon State Police to bring Republican senators back to the Capitol building Thursday after all 11 members fled Salem to deny Democrats the opportunity to pass a sweeping greenhouse gas emissions cap-and-trade bill.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that the Senate Republicans would turn their back on their constituents who they are honor-bound to represent here in this building,” Brown said in a statement. “They need to return and do the jobs they were elected to do.”
A vote on House Bill 2020 was scheduled for Thursday morning.
Trump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico if migrant caravans not stopped
Peltola campaign loses in court on rejected absentee ballots as she maintains narrow lead
‘China is not our enemy’: Inside the DSA’s foreign travel now in Florida’s crosshairs
Florida city says new GOP-backed DEI law blocks St. Patrick’s parade, Pride event
GOP senator says Republicans can ‘forget 2028’ as party looks to reclaim Upper Chamber
DNA Links Grizzly Bear Mom and Her Cubs to Fatal Mother-Daughter Mauling – All 4 Bears Hunted Down and Killed
Cape-Wearing Leftist Arrested at Texas University for Allegedly Striking 3 with Cane at TPUSA Event
Suspected DUI driver arrested on 3 murder counts after deadly North Hollywood crash, police say
Twice-deported United cockpit suspect granted asylum after transgender persecution claim: DHS
As Ilhan Omar Gloats Over Islamic Wins, Idaho Muslim Sentenced for Plot to Massacre Christians with Explosives, Knives, Firearms
Illegal immigrant arrested after dragging, striking ICE officer in Chicago suburb: DHS
Jeffries leaves door open to investigating major Trump ally as Democrats prepare to take power
ESPN’s Rex Ryan Jailed, Accused of Hitting 2 with His Truck and Fleeing the Scene
Hakeem Jeffries faces progressive holdouts but no rival as House speaker race takes shape
Watch: Tentacled UFO Caught on Wild Viral Video and Reported Near Military, But the Possible Truth May Disappoint
Declining to show up for the floor session means the Senate lacks the quorum needed to conduct business. With 18 members in the Senate, Democrats hold the majority, but they need two Republicans to reach a quorum of 20.
Republicans said they are walking out in part because Senate Democrats broke their word. Part of the deal that ended Senate Republican’s previous walkout this session was a promise from Democrats that there would be a “reset” on HB 2020.
Before then, Republicans complained that they were being kept out of closing negotiations.
When they were finally allowed a seat at the table, Republicans said none of their suggestions were adopted in meaningful ways.
“We are not going to provide a quorum to pass a progressive, liberal agenda that damages the constituents from our districts,” Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, said while driving.
Democrats disagreed. They said some Republican suggestions were included in the bill and it’s actually Republicans who have broken their word by walking out. Furthermore, the bill is not open to further amendments.
Trump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico if migrant caravans not stopped
Peltola campaign loses in court on rejected absentee ballots as she maintains narrow lead
‘China is not our enemy’: Inside the DSA’s foreign travel now in Florida’s crosshairs
Florida city says new GOP-backed DEI law blocks St. Patrick’s parade, Pride event
GOP senator says Republicans can ‘forget 2028’ as party looks to reclaim Upper Chamber
DNA Links Grizzly Bear Mom and Her Cubs to Fatal Mother-Daughter Mauling – All 4 Bears Hunted Down and Killed
Cape-Wearing Leftist Arrested at Texas University for Allegedly Striking 3 with Cane at TPUSA Event
Suspected DUI driver arrested on 3 murder counts after deadly North Hollywood crash, police say
Twice-deported United cockpit suspect granted asylum after transgender persecution claim: DHS
As Ilhan Omar Gloats Over Islamic Wins, Idaho Muslim Sentenced for Plot to Massacre Christians with Explosives, Knives, Firearms
Illegal immigrant arrested after dragging, striking ICE officer in Chicago suburb: DHS
Jeffries leaves door open to investigating major Trump ally as Democrats prepare to take power
ESPN’s Rex Ryan Jailed, Accused of Hitting 2 with His Truck and Fleeing the Scene
Hakeem Jeffries faces progressive holdouts but no rival as House speaker race takes shape
Watch: Tentacled UFO Caught on Wild Viral Video and Reported Near Military, But the Possible Truth May Disappoint
Carbon plan: Oregon House passes economy-wide cap on greenhouse gas emissions
HB 2020 received more than 120 amendments this session.
“2020 is in its final form and it needs to be on the Senate floor,” Senate Democratic Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, said. “2020 is not going to change.”
The Senate, through Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, needed to request that Brown use the state police, per the state Constitution. They did, and Courtney read the letter sent to Brown on the Senate floor.
He then lamented his actions and the inability for the body to function as intended.
“This is the saddest day of my legislative life,” Courtney said. “There is no joy in my heart for what I just read. Pure and simple, my heart is broken.”
He went on to literally beg Senate Republicans to return to the Capitol building, imploring them to return to do the people’s business.
“We cannot do it without you,” Courtney said during an impromptu speech from the dais. “If you’re mad, and you’re angry, upset, take it out on me. Say things about me. Come at me. Don’t do this to the people of Oregon, don’t do this to this branch.”
