Oregon Speaker to issue subpoenas ordering Republicans back to Salem

SALEM, Ore.-- Oregon's House Committee on Rules voted Thursday afternoon to issue civil subpoenas to Republic members of the House who have been absent since Monday.

The subpoenas require missing lawmakers to appear before the committee on Thursday, March 5, to explain their absences.

“This is an extraordinary measure brought on by the extraordinary actions of the House Republican caucus,” said Rep. Paul Holvey (D-Eugene), the chair of the House Committee on Rules. “We all took an oath to support the Oregon Constitution and faithfully discharge the duties of our office, which requires our attendance when the legislature is in session. As I see it, House Republicans are currently in violation of that oath. These Republican legislators owe the people of Oregon an explanation for their absences.”

Oregon State Police are expected to serve civil subpoenas to every unaccounted for member of the Oregon House Republican caucus.

Earlier Thursday on the floor of the Oregon House of Representatives, House Speaker Tina Kotek said that she had contacted every member of the Republican caucus asking them to return to work, but that she received no commitments, or responses.

Republicans, who are outnumbered in the House, are protesting controversial cap and trade legislation.

Senate Republican Leader Herman Baertschiger, Jr. from Grants Pass sent a letter to Senate President Peter Courtney, urging him to return to the intent of the 35-day short session by focusing on budget adjustments and policy fixes.

“We could have gotten all the budget items and more done, but the Democrats decided to bring the most divisive legislation up first, likely knowing a boycott would be the result,” said Senator Baertschiger. “Republicans have suspended the rules to not read bills as a sign of dedication to getting the policy and budget bills through the process. I’ve told Senator Courtney that we will come back with enough time to pass the bills that the short session was intended for, if cap and trade dies or is referred to voters.”