He noted that some Indians and groups testified against HB130 during committee hearings earlier this month, and that the testimony influenced many members to vote against the bill.

"To claim that the GOP caucus, which includes several Native Americans, would want an entire people killed is entirely untrue and deeply offensive," he said.

McGillvray sponsored the amendment that struck the outreach language, saying people don't need to be "coddled and baby-sat" to encourage them to vote.

Rep. Derek Skees, R-Whitefish, one of the vocal opponents of HB130 and a supporter of the amendment, told reporters later that his opposition "had absolutely nothing to do with race."

"I have absolutely nothing to do with hate," he said, adding that he's a Christian and follows Christian principles. "We're all humans in God's eyes. ... It pains me that she looks at me and sees hate. Nothing could be further from the truth."

Skees was among the several Republicans addressed by Pease-Lopez in the Democratic caucus meeting.

During the meeting, House Minority Leader Jon Sesso, D-Butte, also apologized to fellow Democrats for not speaking out against the amendment on the floor Thursday.