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.
Virginia’s Dem AG Calls AR-15 Rifles ‘Machine Guns’ in Stunningly Ignorant Brief to SCOTUS
Report: ‘Presbyterian Seminarian’ Talarico Had Account On Adult Hookup Website, Was Looking for ‘Group Sex,’ ‘Fetish’ Partners
Trump admin threatens Iran with ‘consequences’ as allies convene amid threats of post-election escalation
Watch: Muslim Debater Begs Security to Remove Christian Apologist After He Tells the Truth About Islam
Watch: Parents Say Soccer Officials Called Cops on Their Toddler Because He Was Too Good
Trump push to oust Omar faces historic Supreme Court test, but legal experts see ‘uncharted’ twist
An art museum to visit in sneakers
Democrats are likely to come up short in Florida. They’re still giving Republicans a scare
Federal judge blocks Trump DOJ threats against election workers ahead of 2026 midterms
California woman accused of killing trans son-in-law puts blame on husband in new docs: reports
Polish president forces his way into high court after dramatic return as supporters clash with police
Sheriff’s department gives update on Nancy Guthrie case 9 months after kidnapping
CEO of California-Based In-N-Out Burger Teases Major Expansion East
Oregon teacher who wrestled shotgun from school gunman shares emotional message after attack
Masked Invaders Stage Terrifying Armed Attack on CEO’s Family Home: Both Daughters Shot, Wife Struck with Hammer
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.
Virginia’s Dem AG Calls AR-15 Rifles ‘Machine Guns’ in Stunningly Ignorant Brief to SCOTUS
Report: ‘Presbyterian Seminarian’ Talarico Had Account On Adult Hookup Website, Was Looking for ‘Group Sex,’ ‘Fetish’ Partners
Trump admin threatens Iran with ‘consequences’ as allies convene amid threats of post-election escalation
Watch: Muslim Debater Begs Security to Remove Christian Apologist After He Tells the Truth About Islam
Watch: Parents Say Soccer Officials Called Cops on Their Toddler Because He Was Too Good
Trump push to oust Omar faces historic Supreme Court test, but legal experts see ‘uncharted’ twist
An art museum to visit in sneakers
Democrats are likely to come up short in Florida. They’re still giving Republicans a scare
Federal judge blocks Trump DOJ threats against election workers ahead of 2026 midterms
California woman accused of killing trans son-in-law puts blame on husband in new docs: reports
Polish president forces his way into high court after dramatic return as supporters clash with police
Sheriff’s department gives update on Nancy Guthrie case 9 months after kidnapping
CEO of California-Based In-N-Out Burger Teases Major Expansion East
Oregon teacher who wrestled shotgun from school gunman shares emotional message after attack
Masked Invaders Stage Terrifying Armed Attack on CEO’s Family Home: Both Daughters Shot, Wife Struck with Hammer
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.”
