Oregon lawmakers advance bill to limit use of National Guard by federal government

A new bill in Oregon seeks to limit the deployment of the National Guard in light of President Trump's federalization of the Guard for protests in California. The legislation aims to preserve the Guard's capacity to respond to in-state emergencies like wildfires and earthquakes while specifying permissible duties for personnel. Advocates emphasize that the bill safeguards state resources and asserts state sovereignty against federal overreach. Rep. Dacia Grayber, a chief sponsor, stated that deploying the military against citizens contradicts democratic values.

The House Rules Committee has approved the bill, which is now headed for a full House vote. If enacted, the bill would represent a significant shift in how the National Guard operates within Oregon. The measure reflects growing concerns about the federal government's role in state matters. The proposed changes underscore the tension between state and federal authority in emergency responses.