December 23, 2020 3:25 a.m.

On Tuesday, House Republican Leader Christine Drazan released a statement on what she called, “…the unprecedented silencing of ideas during the third special session”.

Drazan said “The destruction of property and violence during protests under the banner of any cause is unacceptable and must end. But, while state troopers defended the Capitol building from violence at our door, Democrats were attacking our legislative process from within”.

Drazan said in an unprecedented surprise move, Democratic leadership refused to allow any motions to adopt amendments on the eviction moratorium bill. She said while other legislation was amended in committee, that legislation stood alone. She claimed that no motions could be made or accepted to amend. Drazan said the Democratic leaders controlled it all and “…chose to silence ideas”.

Drazan said just as Oregonians who were locked out of the building, protested and demanded “…their rightful place in the halls of government”, democratic leaders locked the minority party out of the lawmaking process inside the building.

Drazan’s release said “The legislature must be responsive, transparent and accessible”. She called on Speaker Kotek and President Courtney to renew a commitment to a transparent and accessible Legislature.