Governor orders flags to half-staff in Scalia’s honor

Gov. Kate Brown on Sunday ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff immediately until the day of interment in honor of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died on Saturday.

“Justice Scalia provided many years of dedicated service to one of the most consequential institutions of our nation,” Brown said. “On behalf of the State of Oregon, I offer my sincere condolences to the Scalia family.”

On Saturday, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., released the following statement on the passing of Scalia:

“As our nation mourns the loss of Justice Scalia, our thoughts and prayers remain with his wife Maureen, his children and grandchildren.
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“While I often found myself in disagreement with many of Justice Scalia’s opinions and rulings, I recognize his many years of service to our nation.

“It is critical that the President and Senate move quickly and thoughtfully to nominate and confirm a nominee to fill Justice Scalia’s vacancy. A fully functioning Supreme Court is crucial to the governance of our nation, and presidential politics shouldn’t be an excuse to hamstring the judiciary for a year. I will work with my colleagues to carefully vet President Obama’s nominee and it is my hope that that person will receive careful, fair, and timely consideration in the Senate as is our Constitutional responsibility.”