Militia threat shuts down Oregon Capitol amid walkout by Republican lawmakers over landmark climate change legislation.
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Capitol was closed Saturday because of a"possible militia threat" from right-wing protesters as a walkout by Republican lawmakers over landmark climate change legislation dragged on.
The Oregon Capitol was closed Saturday after a possible militia threat by supporters of Republican lawmakers who fled the Legislature to avoid a vote on a climate change bill that is extremely unpopular with loggers, truckers and many rural voters.The Capitol was closed on the recommendation of Oregon State Police, after anti-government groups threatened to join a protest planned inside the building.
Right-wing groups posted their support for the GOP lawmakers on social media — in one instance offering to provide escorts to them should the state police come for them.Democrats have an 18 to 12 majority in the chamber, but they need 20 members present for a quorum. One GOP senator recently died and has not yet been replaced.
Those opposed to the cap-and-trade plan say it would exacerbate a growing divide between the liberal, urban parts of the state and the rural areas. The plan would increase the cost of fuel, damaging small business, truckers and the logging industry, they say.
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