Oregon GOP senators could face $325 fines for ongoing walkout.

Oregon State Senate Republicans Continue Longest-Ever Walkout

The Oregon state Senate Republicans are approaching nearly a month of a walkout, the longest-ever walkout in the legislature.

Democratic Majority Leader Pushes for Fines

Democratic Majority Leader Kate Lieber requested fines for absent senators, insisting on a penalty of $325 a day, saying in a press release, “Oregonians who do not show up to work don’t get paid.“

Two Republican Senators Vote Against Fines

Two Republican state senators, David Brock Smith and Dick Anderson voted against the fines, but the measure passed 16-2 on Thursday, according to KOIN 6.

Senate President Denounces Absent GOP Lawmakers

Senate President Rob Wagner denounced the absent GOP lawmakers, saying they were “blocking the will of the people in opposition to legislation they personally don’t like,” according to a statement reported in Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Republicans Criticize Wagner’s “Unconditional Agenda”

Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp, who has been a walkout leader among fellow GOP members, criticized Wagner for facilitating an “unconditional agenda.”

“Senate Republicans don’t feel compelled to entertain his political theater,” Knopp said in a press statement. “In fact, we suggest President Wagner pay our fines since it is his behavior that galvanized our protest.”

Walkout Started Over Flesch Test Criteria

The walkout started with Republican members opposing Democratic legislation, citing its failure to meet the criteria under Flesch test, which scores legislation based on the reading level of a text, according to a past Washington Examiner interview with Knopp.

Members said they want to halt about 20 bills from hitting the floor that failed to score a 60 or higher on the test to qualify for enactment, including those related to gun measures and abortion.

Session Adjourns Soon, Fines to Start Accruing

The session adjourns on June 25, and the fines, reflective of the legislators’ daily compensation, will start accruing on June 5, according to a press release from the state Senate Republican office.

History of Walkouts

Oregon Republicans have an extended history of walkouts over the years, gaining national attention for walking out in 2019 to oppose a climate change bill. GOP senators walked out in 2020 to stop Democratic climate legislation again.

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Little Progress Made to End Boycotts

Gov. Tina Kotek (D-OR) has met with Senate Republicans multiple times in hopes of carrying on the 2023 session, but little progress has been made to end the boycotts.

The Washington Examiner reached out to Anderson and Brock Smith for comment.

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