A series of Oregon Republican State Senator walkouts began in May 2019 when Republican members of the Oregon State Senate refused to attend floor sessions of the Oregon Senate in an effort to stymie Democratic efforts to pass House Bill 3427. Proposed during the 80th Oregon Legislative Assembly, the bill would have provided $2 billion for K-12 schools through a new tax package. The senators eventually returned after reaching a deal with Oregon Senate Democrats and Oregon Governor Kate Brown, but elected to "vanish" the following month over another bill, House Bill 2020. House Bill 2020 is designed to institute a carbon tax in Oregon. Republican senators argue that it would unduly burden their constituents, while Democrats argue it is necessary to place Oregon at the forefront of the fight against climate change.
Previous Oregon legislative walkouts have occurred. Republicans walked out in 2001, and Democrats walked out in 1971, 1995, and 2001.
As of 2021, Oregon Republican Senators have refused to attend the state Senate for three consecutive legislative sessions, with walkouts becoming a common obstructive tactic utilized by the party.[1]
- ^ Borrud, Hillary (2021-02-25). "Oregon Senate Republicans walk out for 3rd straight year, citing governor's COVID-19 restrictions". Oregonlive. Archived from the original on 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2022-02-08.