Oregon Governor Says She’ll Use Police On GOP
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Gov. Kate Brown is prepared to extend the legislative session and mobilize the Oregon State Police force if Senate Republicans follow through on a threat to block a vote on a sweeping climate plan.
The governor said Wednesday she is getting ready to extend the session past the end of June if Republicans walk out. She said will also send the state police to physically bring members back to the Senate if they don’t show.
Democrats in Oregon control both the House and the Senate. The GOP has used walkouts as a way to slow the legislative process.
Brown struck a deal last month to put an end to a four-day Republican walkout over a school funding tax package. The governor tabled controversial legislation on guns and vaccines in exchange for a promise from Republicans that they wouldn’t walk out again or delay votes.
Brown says the threat of a second walkout amounts to a “slap in the face.”