PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon Senate voted to fine members $325 a day for being absent from scheduled sessions starting Monday after a Republican-led walkout that has nearly reached a month.
Sen. Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton, made a request Thursday to begin compelling absent senators to the floor by instating a penalty of $325 a day if they do not show up. Per the Oregon Constitution (Article IV, Sect. XII) a quorum is not needed to compel absent senators to return to work.
The Senate approved the request on a 16-to-2 vote, with Sens. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, and Dick Anderson, R-Lincoln City, against it.
Negotiations in the boycott have reached an impasse, Gov. Tina Kotek said on Wednesday. Senators taking part in the walkout were clearly not swayed by Measure 113, a voter-passed law that prevents lawmakers from qualifying for a second term if they have 10 or more unexcused absences on days they are scheduled to vote.
The GOP protest began May 3, ahead of a final vote on House Bill 2002, a controversial reproductive rights bill, and a gun control bill, House Bill 2005.
Among the list of demands, Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp said they want Democratic lawmakers to kill roughly 20 bills that they say are hyper-partisan.
In response to the fines, Knopp issued the following statement:
“One thing remains clear: President Wagner is insistent on facilitating an unlawful, uncompromising, unconstitutional agenda. Once again, he has retaliated against members who are exercising their right to peacefully protest his own unlawful, hyper-partisan actions.
Senate Republicans don’t feel compelled to entertain his political theater. In fact, we suggest President Wagner pay our fines since it is his behavior that galvanized our protest.
If Democrats want us to provide a quorum before June 25th, they must agree to follow Senate Rules, follow the law, and work to put forward constitutional, bipartisan bills that don’t violate a parents’ sacred right to love and care for their child. Senate Republicans will not be bullied into allowing the lawlessness to continue.”