Oregon Democrats vote to fine absent senators amid GOP walkout

Oregon Democrats Vote to Fine Absent Senators Amid GOP Walkout

Background

The Oregon Senate Democrats have devised a strategy to address the month-long Republican walkout, which has resulted in a partisan stalemate and the stagnation of numerous bills. In an attempt to pressure the boycotting lawmakers to return to the chamber, Democrats have decided to impose fines on their absent colleagues.

Fining Absent Senators

On Thursday, Democrats took a procedural step by voting to fine senators $325 for each instance where their absence prevents the chamber from achieving the two-thirds quorum required for conducting business. The amount of the fine corresponds to the average daily pay of the lawmakers. Democratic Senate President Rob Wagner’s office provided this information.

Urgency for Action

During his address to the Senate, Wagner highlighted the fact that Oregonians work every day and do not receive payment when they fail to show up. He emphasized the mounting stack of bills awaiting consideration, debate, and voting, urging a prompt resolution to the deadlock.

Invocation of State Constitution

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber invoked an article in the state constitution to reinforce the necessity of action. She cited the provision stating that even if two-thirds of members are absent, a smaller number is empowered to meet and compel the attendance of absent members. In accordance with this provision, Lieber requested the Senate to enforce the attendance of absent senators and impose the $325 fine for each day a quorum is not reached. The request was approved by the Democrats present on the Senate floor.

Republican Opposition

Senate Republican Minority Leader Tim Knopp criticized the Democrats’ plan as an act of retaliation. Since May 3, most Republican senators have abstained from attending floor sessions, deliberately preventing the Senate from reaching a quorum and impeding progress on numerous bills. Among the affected bills are those concerning abortion, gender-affirming care, and gun control, which have provoked heated debates within the Legislature.

Republican Return Strategy

Knopp stated that Republicans would only return to the Senate on the final day of the legislative session, June 25. Their aim is to pass the budget and select “bipartisan” bills.

Failed Negotiations and Controversy

Governor Tina Kotek, a Democrat, announced on Wednesday that her attempts to resolve the impasse have been unsuccessful. Knopp has insisted on substantial amendments or the abandonment of the bill on abortion and gender-affirming care, which has already passed the House. Kotek stated that negotiating on this particular measure is not an option.

Ballot Measure Implications

In response to previous walkouts by Republicans in 2019, 2020, and 2021, voters approved a ballot measure in November by an overwhelming margin of nearly 70% with the intention of preventing future walkouts. According to the measure’s title and summary, lawmakers with ten or more unexcused absences would be disqualified from seeking reelection in the subsequent term. However, Republicans interpret the measure’s text to imply that boycotters who are up for reelection in 2024 could still be candidates since their current terms conclude in January 2025. Consequently, disqualification would only occur during the 2028 election.

Seeking Legal Clarification

The Secretary of State’s office, represented by spokesperson Ben Morris, is currently seeking a legal opinion from the Oregon Department of Justice to determine the interpretation of the measure. The Department of Justice, specifically Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum’s team, is in the process of developing the legal opinion.

Potential Court Challenges

Should the elections division of the Secretary of State’s office prevent Republican senators from registering as candidates in September, it is expected that they will file court challenges to contest the decision.

What is the reason behind Oregon Democrats imposing fines on absent GOP senators?

Oregon Democrats are imposing fines on absent GOP senators as a way to pressure them to end the month-long walkout and return to the chamber. The fines aim to address the partisan stalemate and compel the boycotting lawmakers to resume their legislative duties.

How much will the senators be fined for each instance of absence?

Senators will be fined $325 for each instance of absence. This amount reflects their average daily pay and is intended to hold them accountable for denying the chamber the required quorum to conduct business.

What bills are affected by the GOP walkout?

Numerous bills, including those concerning abortion, gender-affirming care, and gun control, are being stalled as a result of the GOP walkout. The absence of Republican senators has prevented progress on these bills, leading to a legislative impasse.

What measures have been taken previously to address walkouts by lawmakers?

In response to previous walkouts, voters approved a ballot measure in November with the aim of preventing future boycotts. The measure states that lawmakers with ten or more unexcused absences would be disqualified from seeking reelection in the subsequent term. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the interpretation and timing of disqualification.

Are there any legal challenges anticipated?

If the elections division of the Secretary of State’s office bars Republican senators from registering as candidates in September due to their boycott, it is expected that they will file court challenges to contest the decision. The resolution of this issue may depend on legal interpretation and clarification from the Oregon Department of Justice.