WAGOP Chairman Jim Walsh issues statement rules package, which includes harsh new restrictions on House Floor debates
WAGOP Chairman and State Representative (LD 19) Jim Walsh issued the following statement after being gaveled by Democrat Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins on Friday evening, Jan. 24, during the final voice vote on the rules package, which includes harsh new restrictions on House Floor debates. The new restrictions aim to quash free speech and debate by the minority party.
Statement from WAGOP Chairman and State Representative (LD 19) Jim Walsh:
Olympia Democrats are limiting floor debate and impairing free speech. They’re destroying 130 years of tradition in our State House. They’re insulting the People of Washington by restricting their representatives’ ability to discuss and improve public policy, law, and budgets. By a 54-33 vote, Democrats lowered the supermajority 2/3 threshold required to end debate and vote on bills down to a simple majority.
A change in legislative session rules might seem like inside baseball. That’s because it IS inside baseball. Still, this episode is significant for everyone in Washington.
Floor debates also allow people to watch and learn about the legislative process. I’ve had many people approach me with suggestions and opinions they developed after watching floor debates in Olympia. Limiting debate kills transparency, communication, and education. These rules are bad for everyone.
Also read:
- Opposing statements sought for Feb. 10, 2026 ballot measures
The Clark County Elections Office is seeking registered voters to write opposing statements for two local school district propositions ahead of the February 10, 2026 special election. - Opinion: A warning to Washington – The ‘Minnesota Model’ of fraud has arrived
Yacolt resident Mark Rose warns that Washington’s grant pass-through system mirrors the failures behind Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future fraud scandal and urges stronger oversight before taxpayers face major losses. - Voting by mail faces uncertain moment ahead of midterm elections
With a Supreme Court case looming and states tightening deadlines, voting by mail faces new legal and political uncertainty ahead of next year’s midterm elections. - Let’s Go Washington issues initiatives signature count update
Let’s Go Washington says it has collected more than 315,000 and 289,000 signatures on two initiatives and is pushing toward 400,000 per measure. - Gov. Ferguson’s office silent on Walz visit amid Minnesota fraud crisis
Gov. Bob Ferguson faces criticism for hosting fundraiser guest Gov. Tim Walz amid Minnesota’s billion‑dollar welfare fraud scandal.
