SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Senate Republicans in Oregon say they need further assurances from Democrats about the fate of a landmark climate bill if they are going to put an end to their walkout that has dragged on into a sixth day.
Senate Minority Leader Herman Baertschiger said in a statement Tuesday that Republicans are still trying to "sort out" how to proceed in the wake of an announcement from Democratic leadership that a cap and trade plan has lost support among Democrats.
People protested outside the Oregon Capitol on Tuesday over the GOP's walkout.
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Baertschiger says Republicans need further assurances that the legislation is at a "complete end." The Minority Leader adds that he still needs to have further conversations with Democrats so that "Republicans feel comfortable with the process."
Republicans have fled the Capitol -- and the state -- to avoid a vote on a statewide cap on carbon emissions. Senate President Peter Courtney begged Republicans to return saying there's still dozens of policy measures to approve before the Legislative session ends on Sunday.
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