Deevers responds to “terrorists” comments by Treat

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Dusty Deevers has responded to comments made last week by Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat critical of tactics Deevers and Sen. Nathan Dahm used to make a point about their bills not being heard.

Reports said that Republican leadership was angered when Deevers, R-Elgin, and Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, led a filibuster effort that caused delays in bill consideration on the final day that Senate-born bills could be considered. During his Thursday press conference, Treat said he did not “negotiate with terrorists,” later clarifying he used the word “terrorists” to describe the men’s actions, not the senators themselves.

In his statement, Deevers explained the point he and Dahm were trying to make.

“I’ll put it plainly, as I did with a ranking colleague frustrated that his bill, to which he had dedicated many hours, would not be heard on the floor. I understand his frustration. I, too, dedicated many hours to writing and submitting bills for my constituents, yet none of them were even heard in committee. Meanwhile, many of the bills from that ranking colleague received consideration both in committee and on the Senate floor. When I asked him if he could think of anyone else who might be frustrated that their bills were not heard, he instantly understood why we decided to filibuster.”

Deevers called for a re-evaluation of Senate rules and procedures, advocating for a Golden Rule package that he said prioritizes the equality of all constituents. He said the existing system is designed to serve those at the very top while pitting all other senators against each other, which means not all districts are given equal representation.

“Let us work toward a system that truly serves the people of Oklahoma by treating others the way we want to be treated,” he urged.