House and Senate pass ERA ratification resolutions
In the House, lots of Democrats rose to speak in support of HJ1, carried by Delegate Carroll-Foy (HD2) with chief co-patrons Ayala (HD51), Ward (HD92), and Kory (HD38), with every Democrat co-patroning.
A floor substitute had to be made to match the resolution language to the Senate version. Republicans whined about this, and acted as if a floor substitute was a shocking new unfair “tactic” even though this happens all the time.
In a thoroughly satisfying moment, Speaker Filler-Corn ruled Minority Leader Gilbert out of order for complaining, and let the vote proceed.
The resolution passed 59-41, with Republicans Coyner (HD62) and Campbell (HD6) voting with the Democrats in support, and Walker (HD23) doing so but later clarifying he meant to vote against.
Speaker Filler-Corn said “For the women of Virginia, and the women of America, the resolution has finally passed,” and the room erupted into applause. Delegate Orrock (HD54), with a total lack of class, interrupted to state that rules of decorum had been violated. Speaker Filler-Corn had, respectfully speaking, zero effs left to give, told him “duly noted,” and enjoyed the rest of her historic moment of victory.
Over in the Senate, where ERA ratification resolutions have passed repeatedly before, things were much less dramatic, but McClellan’s SJ1 did pass 28-12, with Republican co-patron Hanger (SD24), and Republican Senators Vogel (SD27), DeSteph (SD8), Dunnavant (SD12), Kiggans (SD12), and Minority Leader Norment (SD3) all joining the Democrats.
The Senate Judiciary met to hear gun bills Monday morning, following last week’s votes in the House and Senate to approve rules banning weapons from the Capitol building.
Senator Obenshain (SD26) complained about the security lines, and that some Northam Administration officials were rumored to have entered without passing through. But even the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security said he’d gone through the metal detectors.
Republican Senators also complained that Judiciary Chair Edwards (SD21) had agreed to delay hearing the gun bills because Senator Stanley (SD20) wasn’t available, and somehow had changed his mind after discussing things with his Caucus. Edwards ignored their complaints and moved along with the bills.
Interestingly, the mostly pro-gun crowd sat stoically and didn’t make a peep. One or two designated citizens testified on each bill, occasionally making relevant points, and often just complaining about the left-wing agenda, Michael Bloomberg, and Socialism.
By Thursday, the Senate passed: a bill limiting handgun purchases to one a month–SB69, Locke (SD2) & Saslaw (SD35); a bill allowing localities to restrict firearms at public buildings, parks, and permitted events–SB35, Surovell (SD36), Deeds (SD25), Edwards (SD21), & Favola (SD31); and universal background checks–SB70, Lucas (SD18) & Saslaw (SD35). The first two were partisan votes, but universal background checks was supported by Hanger (SD24) and Dunnavant (SD12). The Red Flag Law bill, SB240 Barker (SD39), should pass the Senate floor today.
NOTE!! The universal background check bill was weakened at the last minute by an amendment from Senator Peterson (SD34), striking reference to transfers of firearms. This makes it harder for law enforcement to enforce–it’s crucial the House get this amended back to the original version. Please reach out to your Delegate and ask her to hold firm on the original language of this bill!
