American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for May, 22, 2023
Today’s Script: (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time)
Today’s Links now below the script
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
One third of Oregon’s Senators are now ineligible to run for re-election, in a dramatic showdown to block passage of gun safety, reproductive health and Trans rights legislation.
The Oregon House and Senate must have a two-thirds quorum to conduct business, according to the state constitution. The Oregon Capital Chronicle reports a constitutional amendment passed by voter referendum in November 2022 allows 10 unexcused absences from full House or Senate “floor sessions,” after which the legislator forfeits re-election.
By thwarting quorum in the previous 13 days, Senate Republicans are attempting to block passage by the Democratic majority of four bills protecting reproductive and transgender rights, and another gun safety bill increasing the minimum age to buy most firearms from 18 to 21, ban untraceable “ghost guns,” and give municipalities the power to ban firearms in public buildings. As of May 19th, nine Republicans and one independent crossed the 10-absence threshold, making themselves ineligible for re-election.
Thus far, the bills have been blocked, but so have all other bills before the Oregon Senate. The Republican minority leader indicated the Senators would return for a vote on the state budget. The Senate’s president pleaded in Friday’s ill-fated session, QUOTE, “This walkout must end. The people of Oregon desire it. Democracy demands it.”
We have links to articles and Oregon’s new attendance amendment at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Oregon Capital Chronicle – One-third of Oregon Senate now ineligible for another term as Republican walkout continues
Oregon Public Broadcasting – Oregon Republican walkout: 6 more senators are potentially ineligible for reelection
Oregon Secretary of State’s Office – Ballot Measure 113 – LEGISLATORS WITH TEN UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
FROM FLOOR SESSIONS DISQUALIFIED FROM HOLDING NEXT TERM OF OFFICE
Groups Taking Action:
ACLU Oregon, Our Oregon, Basic Rights Oregon
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