Oregon Senate Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

For 3rd Straight Year, Oregon Senate Republicans Stage Walkout To Stop Legislative Business

By Dirk VanderHart February 26, 2021

Oregon senators convene at the Capitol on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 during a one-day special session to address specific COVID-19 relief issues. Protesters against coronavirus safety measures broke doors and tried to force their way inside. CREDIT: Dirk VanderHart/OPB

Criticizing a session they say is moving too quickly, Republicans refused to attend a floor session of the Oregon House on Tuesday evening. Lawmakers showed up to the House chamber at 6 p.m. with Rep. Cheri Helt, R-Bend, the only Republican in attendance.Read More

Oregon Senate Republicans Stage Walkout For 2nd Time This Year To Stop Vote On Climate Bill

By Dirk VanderHart June 20, 2019

The Oregon Capitol. CREDIT:BRADLEY W. PARKS/OPB

For the second time this legislative session, Oregon Senate Republicans prepared Thursday to stage a walkout, denying Democrats the ability to pass legislation. It’s the latest step in a standoff over sweeping climate change legislation.Read More

Oregon Senate Republicans Have Literally Left The Building. How Do They Come Back?

By Dirk VanderHart May 10, 2019

The Oregon State Capitol in Salem on March 18, 2017.

In Oregon, GOP senators, solidly in the minority, left the Capitol this week before lawmakers could approve House Bill 3427, which would inject schools with billions in new funding to lower class sizes and boost graduation rates. The move denied Democrats a 20-member quorum, halting business in the Senate.Read More

UPDATE: Oregon State Senator Resigns After Investigation Finds He Persisted With Unwanted Touching

By NWPB News February 8, 2018

Sen. Jeff Kruse, R-Roseburg, makes remarks before a vote Friday, July 8, 2005, at the Oregon Capitol. CREDIT: RICK BOWMER

An investigation into behavior by Oregon Sen. Jeff Kruse, R-Roseburg, released this week states Kruse had a pattern of “engaging in unwelcome physical contact toward females in the workplace.”Read More