Senate Republicans skip Sunday session, demonstrators show support of GOP walkout
SALEM, Ore. – Adding a plea for Republican lawmakers to return to the Capitol, Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney adjourned Sunday’s session after they could not reach a quorum.
The Republican senators fled the Legislature — and the state — earlier this week to deny the majority Democrats enough votes to take up House Bill 2020, the cap-and-trade bill aimed at reducing fossil fuel emissions.
When KATU asked Senate Minority Leader Herman Baertschiger Jr. when the 11 Republicans would be back on the senate floor, he replied, “I don't think you're going to see us anytime soon."
A large group of people supporting the absent Republicans rallied outside the capitol Saturday and Sunday.
"We specifically asked them, we told them, do whatever it takes to stop HB 2020," said Belinda Coalman, who came to support Republicans.
Opponents of HB 2020 want senators to remove the emergency clause and put it up to a public vote.
"If it's as good as they say it is, it should pass no problem," said Elina Tilson.
Loggers and small business owners gathered outside the capitol too. They said the bill is bad for business and their communities.
"It's kind of the last tool in the tool box," said Bridger Hasbrouck, a logger, about the republican walkout. "They couldn't be doing any better at representing us."
A few people came to Salem to thank Democrats for trying to hold a session Sunday morning. Jane Stackhouse says Republicans should come back and work with Democrats.
"Climate change is real. It's threatening all of us, all of us. I would like an environment where my grandchildren will have a good life," she said.
Courtney adjourned the Senate until Monday morning at 10 a.m.
"Again, I ask the senators that are not here to please, if you would, come to the building," said Courtney during the session. "We have budgets we need to pass that are for all of Oregon, many of the public policy items are very important to us all."
"Oregonians sent us here to pass budgets, pass good public policy, the way we do that is take votes," Sen. Sara Gelser of Corvallis told KATU News. "I'll keep coming back to do it, I hope my colleagues will do the same."
Baertschiger sent out the following statement from the Oregon Republican Party on Sunday afternoon:
“The peaceful rallies on the steps this weekend were done by Oregonians who will be directly impacted by the gas and emissions tax or House Bill 2020. Democrats were reactionary to rumors and lacked the courage to face these Oregonians by closing the Capitol building on Saturday, when it was scheduled to be open, and limiting space in the gallery of the Senate Chamber, forcing them into committee rooms to watch the floor on Sunday. My caucus and I continue to stand firm and remain out of the state. We are working for our constituents and all Oregonians. Thank you to everyone who has expressed support.”
Jonathan Lockwood, a spokesperson for the Senate Republican Whip, said in a statement, "Senate Democrats should just gavel down for Sine Die - they're wasting everyone's time and money and fomenting division. They broke their pledge to reset cap and trade talks after the last walkout and that's why we are here."