JEFFERSON CITY — Democrats and so-called regular Republicans teamed up Wednesday to slam a small GOP faction in the Missouri Senate for obstruction, holding an unusual news conference to push back against the group of senators.
“It’s time we shine a light on the problem, and the problem is exactly what makes me and the majority of Missourians distrust and dislike politicians,†said Sen. , R-Sikeston. “These guys need to halt their campaigning and work for the job that they are currently elected to do.â€
Rehder said Wednesday her “red line†with regard to the faction came after they stalled action on a sexual assault survivors bill of rights she has sponsored.
Sen. , R-Harrisonville, attempted late Tuesday to attach a controversial amendment dealing with “obscene material†in schools to the bipartisan legislation containing protections for sexual assault survivors.
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When the Senate convened Wednesday, Sen. , R-Warrensburg, held the floor with other allies to prevent legislative action.
“I was just notified about a press conference that happened where my name was brought up,†Hoskins said, before launching into a filibuster.
“To my minority colleagues (the Democrats), I certainly appreciate that you were there,†said Sen. , R-Weldon Spring, a Brattin ally. “I would expect you to be there any time there’s a fracture or a rift within the majority caucus.â€
Later Wednesday, tensions eased long enough for the chamber to take action on some legislation.
The Senate took up wide-ranging sponsored by Sen. , R-Lee’s Summit, who is allied with leadership, and quickly gave it first-round approval without resistance from the GOP faction.
And, Sen. , R-Buffalo, who is also allied with GOP leaders, on Wednesday allowed Eigel to attach a gradual reduction of personal property tax in St. Charles County to .
“In the spirit of cooperation,†Crawford said, “I’m going to support your amendment.â€
Still looming Wednesday was debate over U.S. congressional maps, indicating the two GOP factions were still at a stalemate on the once-per-decade redrawing of districts.
‘Poison pill’
On Tuesday, Democrats characterized Brattin’s amendment as a “poison pill†they feared would place the state on a slippery slope toward book bans.
Rehder then asked Brattin directly if he would withdraw his amendment so that other senators wouldn’t kill her bill by filibustering it. She said Republicans had also raised concerns about Brattin’s plan.
“Your amendment is going to kill this bill. So yes or no?†Rehder asked. “Will you withdraw it or not?â€
“No, senator,†Brattin said.
Rehder then moved to table the bill of rights for sexual assault survivors, postponing action until further notice.
Rehder, before speaking to Brattin, questioned a comment that she said was made by Sen. , R-Lake Saint Louis, calling her bill “little.â€
“Well, I want to inquire of whatever man in this chamber thinks that sexual assault and helping those victims is a ‘little’ issue,†Rehder said. “Because at 11 years old I was held down by the only man that I trusted.â€
On Wednesday, Rehder asked again that Brattin remove the amendment he filed Tuesday. She also jabbed Onder and Sen. , who has filibustered for hours by reading a book because of his disagreements with GOP leadership.
“I am asking that Senator Moon put the books away and stop wasting taxpayer dollars,†Rehder said. “And I’m asking that Sen. Onder climb down off his high horse long enough to realize that the majority of Missourians have not been as fortunate as he.â€
Rehder’s legislation defines a sexual assault survivor as any person at least 14 years old “who may be a victim of a sexual offense (and) who presents themselves†to an “appropriate medical provider†or law enforcement.
The bill says survivors have the right to: consult with workers at rape crisis centers, a sexual assault forensic examination, a shower and fresh clothing, the right to request an interview by an officer of the same gender, and the right to a language interpreter, as reasonably available, among other protections.
The measure has bipartisan support. The bill of rights was contained in a measure introduced by Sen. , D-Creve Coeur, and was later folded into Rehder’s .
Schupp said the bill of rights is an improvement over current protections in Missouri law, “designed by real input and testimony from the public.†She said the bill “does what is needed†to support Missouri survivors.
Brattin said Tuesday his bill on “obscene material†is just as important as the bill of rights.
“This is an extremely important issue just as yours is,†he told Rehder.
“But it’s not more important than mine,†Rehder said. “We have elected school boards. There is a stopgap right now. And it might not be 100%.â€
Brattin said “the sexualization of society has created little sexual predators that grow into sexual predators that act out into these sort of acts.â€
“How long?†Rehder asked, adding that her mother had been sexually abused at 4 years old. “How many years? How many years of sexual abuse do we have to go through before we can get — before we can get good protections for us in statute?â€
The legislation is Senate Bill 775.
Originally posted at 11 p.m. Tuesday, March 8. Updated at 5:54 p.m. Wednesday.