Last year, the Missouri Senate was in chaos. The Freedom Caucus, a group of GOP senators often at odds with party leadership, disrupted operations daily using procedural tactics. In response, Senate leaders removed them from key committee roles and even considered expelling one leader from the chamber.
This tension led to one of the least productive legislative sessions in recent memory, with fewer bills passed than during the pandemic-shortened session of 2020.
A New Start in 2025
Fast forward to this year, and the Senate is showing signs of improvement. Bills are moving to committees and public hearings without major interruptions. Surprisingly, members of the Freedom Caucus have even been given significant committee assignments.
Lawmakers and activists are cautiously optimistic. House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Republican from Lee’s Summit, joked about the Senate’s calmer atmosphere. “How many days until your first meltdown?” he quipped to a fellow lawmaker.
Freedom Caucus leader Sen. Rick Brattin of Harrisonville assured Missourians that this session will be different. “People will be surprised at how effective we can be together,” he said.
What Changed?
Several factors are contributing to this newfound calm. Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck pointed out that term limits removed some of the most outspoken members of the Freedom Caucus, paving the way for fresh faces.
“The turnover in senators has been one of the largest we’ve ever seen,” said Beck, a Democrat from Affton. The new members, while conservative, seem more focused on progress than creating disruptions.
Another reason for the quieter session is the absence of a statewide election this year. Without the pressure of GOP primaries, lawmakers have more room to work without political infighting.
Trouble Brewing in the House
While the Senate appears stable, factional disputes have shifted to the Missouri House. Republican Rep. Justin Sparks challenged Speaker Patterson for his position, accusing him of prioritizing special interests over conservative values.
However, Sparks’ campaign for speaker quickly fizzled, gaining little support in the 163-member chamber. With the House’s strict rules and lack of a filibuster, a major uprising from Freedom Caucus members is unlikely.
Patterson also benefits from following Dean Plocher, who ended his term as speaker under the shadow of an ethics investigation. Plocher’s departure due to term limits has given Patterson a smoother start.
Democrats Watching Closely
In recent years, GOP infighting has often stalled legislation that Democrats opposed. However, it has also blocked bills with bipartisan support, such as expanding child care and helping foster children.
Despite the Senate’s current calm, Democrats remain watchful. “We’re going to uphold the will of the people,” Beck said, referring to the 2022 voter-approved constitutional amendment that overturned Missouri’s abortion ban.
Potential Challenges Ahead
The session isn’t without its challenges. The state budget isn’t as strong as in previous years when federal COVID relief funds boosted spending. Contentious issues like charter school expansion, judiciary changes, and utility policies could also derail progress.
Abortion is expected to be a major flashpoint. Republicans are divided on how to address the constitutional amendment overturning the state’s abortion ban, while Democrats have vowed to fiercely oppose any rollback of abortion rights.
For now, lawmakers are working quietly, but many are holding their breath, waiting to see if the fragile peace will last.
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