Maryland GOP senators walk off floor over handling of controversial resolution
Republican senators walked off the floor Thursday in protest after their motion to delay the vote of a controversial measure was denied.
Senate Joint Resolution 5 called the Maryland Defense Act of 2017 would allow Maryland's Attorney General to sue the federal government for actions that may pose a threat to the health or welfare of residents with respect to things such as ensuring the availability of affordable health care and protecting residents against illegal and unconstitutional federal immigration and travel restrictions. In certain instances the Attorney General could pursue legal action without checking in with the governor first.
"I think it's important, especially considering the speed and the lack of attention to the law that has attended these executive orders that Trump is issuing," said Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh.
After the resolution was approved in committee Wednesday the legislation was fast tracked to a vote for preliminary approval Thursday. GOP senators said there was no reason for the fast track and asked for additional time to review the legislation before voting on it since many had not had the time to read the resolution. When the request was denied GOP senator walked out in protest.
"I think many of us are disappointed that, that's what happened here today it really kind of in some ways jeopardizes the integrity of the body," said republican Sen. Addie Eckardt, who was one of the senators not to walk off the floor.
Giving Maryland's attorney general these powers would put him on par with 41 other attorneys general who have similar authority in pursuing lawsuits against the federal government. None the less many Republicans feel it gives Frosh too much power.
"I think it oversteps the authority of the governor quite honestly and say if you're not going to act, we're going to act," Eckardt said.
The bill heads to the Senate for a third and final reading Friday where it's expected to pass.
Since it's a joint resolution it will not need Hogan's seal of approval, but a statement from the governor's press office had harsh words for the majority party.
"It is exceptionally disappointing to see an action like this only a few days after Governor Hogan asked legislators to work with him in a bipartisan manner to get things done for Maryland. This despicable display of out-of-control partisanship is a new low for the self-interested politicians of the General Assembly, and does a deep disservice to the people of Maryland. Washington-style party politics have no place here in Annapolis, and we believe Marylanders will see this action for what it really is: a shameful political game that will ultimately harm the people of the state. It's a game the governor refuses to play," said spokeswoman Amelia Chasse in the statement.
If the measure passes in the Senate, it will then head to the House where it is also expected to pass.
