Walk-out ends: Win for parental rights, gun rights

By NW Spotlight,

The Oregon Senate Republican Caucus Press Release:

OREGONIANS WIN: Republicans and Independents Protect the Rule of Law and Parental Rights, Hold the Majority Accountable

SALEM, Ore. – Today, a quorum was reached on the Senate floor after a six-week-long peaceful, constitutional protest. This was the result of countless hours of good-faith negotiations and true bipartisanship after weeks of nothing but the contrary.

“Senate Republicans and Independents stood firm as the last line of defense for parental rights and the rule of law. I am incredibly proud of their steadfast determination to give their constituents a long-overdue seat at the table. We have said from the very beginning that we cannot allow the Senate to operate in an unlawful, uncompromising, and unconstitutional manner. We repeatedly urged Democrat leaders to put the critical needs of all Oregonians first instead of prioritizing an extreme agenda that does nothing but divide us. I am pleased to say that we were able to hold the Democrat Majority accountable and accomplish all these things. We achieved constitutional, lawful bipartisanship. And parental rights were restored,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend).

“Though Democrats hold a slim majority, it is critically important that the voices of all Oregonians are heard in this process. We knew the risk we were taking, but we feel our challenge to Measure 113’s constitutionality is strong. Some of our colleagues may disagree, but that is a battle for another day. Today, we are happy to deliver this win for Oregonians,” said Senator Lynn Findley (R-Vale).

The Oregon House Republican Caucus Press Release:

Negotiations Lead to Victory for Oregonians’ Parental Rights, Protections for Law Abiding Gun Owners, Accountability for the Majority Party

SALEM, OR – Today, after a six-week-long protest by Senate Republicans, quorum was reached on the Senate floor. This comes after weeks of negotiations and bipartisan discussions about how to benefit all Oregonians.

“Today is a victory for Oregonian’s parental rights and law-abiding gun owners. After months of being promised a bipartisan session, Democrats chose to prioritize a partisan and extreme agenda. Republicans held the line and were able to amend the worst parts of House Bill 2002 and the Democrats Omnibus Gun Bill, House Bill 2005. I appreciated working with Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp throughout this process to ensure better outcomes for all Oregonians,” said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). “This stalemate could have been prevented from the beginning. When both sides of the aisle communicate in good faith, extreme measures do not have to be taken. House Republicans have remained committed to advancing bipartisan budgets and legislation and will continue to do so in the remaining 10 days of the Legislative Session.”

The main points of emphasis within the framework includes the following:

• Protects parental rights by striking large portions of House Bill 2002 and Senate Joint Resolution 33 in its entirety.
• Defends the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners by striking large portions of House Bill 2005 and all of Senate Bill 348 and Senate Bill 393.
• Prioritizes legislation that will:
• Exempt small farming, ranching, and timber families from the Oregon Estate Tax. (Senate Bill 498)
• Give impeachment power of statewide elected Executive Branch officials to the House of Representatives, and the power to try impeachments in the Senate. Oregon is currently the only state in the nation without such a procedure. (House Joint Resolution 16)
• Ensures that bill summaries will be redrafted to comply with House Rules, Senate Rules, Oregon statute, and the Oregon Constitution.

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