Republican unexcused absences bring Oregon Senate work to a halt
Republican senators have accused Senate President Rob Wagner of being untrustworthy and lacking skills needed to run the Senate in a bipartisan fashion.
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Republican senators have accused Senate President Rob Wagner of being untrustworthy and lacking skills needed to run the Senate in a bipartisan fashion.
GOP senators have been threatening in recent weeks to deny Democrats a quorum. Their effort could be tested by new voter-approved rules.
Oregon Republicans walked off the state Senate floor Wednesday afternoon, leaving the legislative body without a quorum to consider Democrat-led bills involving reproductive health, gender-affirming care and gun safety laws.
Democrats have been working around the illness of Troutdale Sen. Chris Gorsek, leaving just 16 Democrats to make up the minimum of 20 senators needed for a quorum.
When enough members of the minority party stay away from the House or Senate floor, no action can be taken. It’s a stalling tactic that’s been used by both parties.