Oregon Capital Chronicle

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Students protesting in front of Capitol
Oregon’s Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley both told the Capital Chronicle last week that they’ll vote against her nomination. Wyden, a PRO Act supporter, called out “troubling flip-flops,” including Chavez-DeRemer’s “bizarre disavowal” of her previous support for the pro-labor legislation and her assurances to Republican senators that she opposed abortion. While representing Oregon, Chavez-DeRemer frequently promised to block any attempts to restrict access to abortion or limit using government funding for it, though she also voted for or supported several anti-abortion measures. Merkley, meanwhile, said he plans to vote against all cabinet nominees until Trump and special government employee Elon Musk stop trying to dismantle federal agencies.
Good afternoon, Capitol Community. We had a small suspicious package near the SE State Street entrance. Though it appeared to be low risk, OSP recommended closing the entrance and the immediate area around the package while we waited for ordinance disposal to arrive. They did not feel that stopping legislative business or evacuating the building was necessary, and I concurred. The ordinance disposal team confirmed the package was not a threat, and the entrance is now open for use. Legislative Administration works closely with OSP, and we follow their recommendations. Our intent in these situations is to ensure everyone’s safety and act out of an abundance of caution. I want to extend my thanks to OSP and the ordinance disposal team for their excellent work and quick action. We thank everyone for their concern and cooperation.
House wing closed
Today, we mourn with Minnesota. The assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the targeted shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were horrific acts of politically motivated violence. This attack was an assault on public servants, on their families, and on democracy itself. We extend our deep condolences to the Hortman family, and our love and solidarity to the Minnesota DFL and statehouse community. We grieve together with you. We will not be intimidated. We will not let violence silence us. We will keep showing up for our communities and our values. Our democracy and government institutions will never be brought down by senseless acts of violence so long as we the people continue to stand up for what is right. May justice and democracy always prevail, and may the memories of Speaker and Mark Hortman be a blessing.