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A controversial mute button that Republicans had installed in the Minnesota House chamber will disappear when the new DFL majority takes charge in January.

“I will be asking for the mute button to be disconnected,” said Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park.

The button allows the presiding officer at the rostrum to shut off members’ microphones in the House chamber. Its installation came during Capitol renovations and following the especially 

 of the 2015 session. Many lawmakers were unaware of the button’s existence until microphones went quiet at times during 

House Democrats have repeatedly complained about the mute button, arguing that they should not be silenced. Republicans countered that it was needed to control debates. In 2017, DFL lawmakers tried unsuccessfully to amend House rules with a prohibition of its use.

Hortman said her request for the button’s removal will have to wait until she is officially elected as speaker.

“I don’t have the power to ask for that to be done right now,” she said. “But as soon as I have the power, I will ask for that to be done.”

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Tim Pugmire

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The incoming DFL speaker of the Minnesota House says she will remove a microphone mute button installed by Republicans.

‘Mute button’ days are numbered in MN House

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