In a rare occurrence, Rep. Tina Orwall was asked to preside as Speaker over the House Floor. The Majority Floor Leader, Rep. Zack Hudgins, said that in all the time he has been running the House Floor for the Majority he hasn’t seen anyone step up to the job of presiding officer so quickly.“Rep. Orwall was even-handed, and fair. She moved pieces of legislation along while overseeing debate on the House Floor. She was prepared and even had a sense of humor when members were slow to vote on a few measures to see how she would react. It was great to see a new member do so well leading the House deliberations,” said Hudgins.
Rep. Orwall accepted the challenge and, after receiving a brief orientation by the Speaker Pro Tempore and staff, stepped up to the rostrum to carry out the business of the people of Washington.
"I was honored by the opportunity to preside over the afternoon session of the Washington State House of Representatives,” said Orwall. “Especially as a new member of the Legislature, I am grateful to the Democratic Caucus leadership for putting their trust in me today.”
