Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today released the following statement regarding a potential walkout by Senate Republicans:

"We ask for, and take on responsibility, as elected representatives of the people of Oregon to show up and speak up on their behalf. I’m disappointed in the Senate Republicans’ indications of a walkout, which would silence their constituents while stifling democracy. It’s not only dishonest, it violates the oaths they took to speak for their constituents as well as the word they gave to their colleagues and to me.

"People place their lives on the line to protect our democracy, and it’s a slap in the face of those sacrifices for the Senate Republicans to turn their back on respectful dialogue just because they don’t agree with others in the conversation.

"I am prepared to use all resources and tools available to me as Governor to ensure that Oregonians are being served by their leaders. I am in close communication with Oregon State Police and my office is making preparations for a special session to be held on July 2, 2019, in the event that the business of this state does not conclude by Sine Die. We will stay in Salem to work until our job is done."