FILE - In this June 20, 2019, file photo, lawmakers convene at the Oregon Senate in Salem Ore. Walkouts by Republicans in Oregon's Legislature have become so frequent, with GOP lawmakers torpedoing progressive legislation, that Democrats want to sanction boycotters with $500 daily fines and even disqualify them from holding office. Democrats hold the majority in the state House and Senate. SALEM, Ore.
On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Rules held an emotional public hearing on four measures that seek to deprive Republicans of the leverage from quorum rules that critics say they have weaponized. The Legislature's 2020 session ended early, and acrimoniously, because of a Republican boycott over a climate change measure. House Speaker Tina Kotek said then that Republicans violated their constitutional duty of voting on bills, adding: “We have been held hostage by a small group of elected representatives.”
At Thursday's hearing, held remotely via Zoom because the Capitol is closed to the public , ordinary Oregonians got on their computers and phones to vent their anger at GOP lawmakers who boycott. They said they'd be fired if they missed work. - Ask voters to amend the Oregon Constitution to change the minimum quorum requirement to a simple majority.
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GOP lawmaker charged for letting far-right rioters into Oregon State CapitolAn Oregon Republican state lawmaker faces charges after allegedly allowing dozens of far-right protesters to breach the State Capitol in Salem last December, court records show.Driving the news: Rep. Mike Nearman faces charges of official misconduct in the first degree and criminal trespass in the second degree, both misdemeanors, following an investigation by state police that began after the Dec. 21 breach.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeProsecutors allege that 'being a public servant,' the 57-year-old 'did unlawfully and knowingly perform an act which constituted an unauthorized exercise of his official duties, with intent to obtain a benefit or to harm another' while the legislature was in session.Zoom in: Video footage appears to show Nearman opening two doors, enabling entrance to the Capitol for the rioters — many not wearing masks and waving flags supporting former President Trump,.'More than 30 people made it into the vestibule and about 150 protesters were gathered right outside the door,' the New York Times reports. Law enforcement arrested at least five people following the incident, AP notes.Of note: Democratic lawmakers filed a formal complaint in January, accusing Nearman of endangering them and others present, knowing that 'only authorized personnel are allowed in the building due to the COVID-19 pandemic,' according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.Several Democrats have called for Nearman to resign following Friday's announcement of charges.State Rep. Rachel Prusak (D) said in a Twitter post Saturday that Nearman had 'acted as part of a coordinated effort to allow enemies of democracy into the building; literally opening the door to sedition.'The other side: Nearman has yet to respond to requests for comment following the charges, but he said last January that he does not 'condone violence, nor do I participate in it,' per the Salem Statesman Journal. 'I hope for due process, and not I pray he gets life in prison
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Oregon state Rep. Mike Nearman charged over role in opening capitol to far-right protestersThe protesters he let into the building allegedly used bear mace on law enforcement officers, shattered glass doors and attacked journalists outside. There's your homegrownterrorist Republicans are gonna kill us all. Nothing but vultures. He's complicit in facilitation of the event.
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