OREGON: GOP Senators Remain In Hiding Over Climate Change Bill Even After Dems Say It Won’t Pass Anyway

June 25, 2019 Climate Change, Republicans

Oregon Live reports:

Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney said on Tuesday morning that the climate change bill at the center of Republicans’ walkout lacks the votes necessary to pass, because not enough Democrats support it.

Senate Republicans fled the state last week to block a vote on the carbon capping plan. Courtney appeared to be laying groundwork for Republicans to return, but it was not immediately clear that Republicans would agree to return to vote on other bills. Oregon lawmakers face a June 30 deadline to wrap up work under the state Constitution.

Sen. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, said as of around 10 a.m., he had not yet heard of Courtney’s announcement. However, he said there would be a lot of concern about a possible head fake by Democrats, and a variety of procedural issues that would have to be addressed before Republicans would likely agree to come back to the Capitol.

A “head fake” to trick the Republicans into coming back would be delicious.

Runaway Oregon Republican not backing down on opposition to carbon tax https://t.co/yi6kObMMpJ

— Herman Baertschiger (@SenBaertschiger) June 25, 2019

Another great example of the Democrats complete lack of understanding of rural Oregonians. My caucus and I will stay out of Oregon as long as it takes to represent our constituents. #CapKillsJobs #hb2020 #Oregon11 https://t.co/3GDCJlENxn

— Herman Baertschiger (@SenBaertschiger) June 25, 2019