Condemning the Occupation of a Wildlife Refuge in Oregon (H. Res. 575)

What is H. Res. 575?

(Updated April 11, 2017)

This resolution announces Congress' official condemnation of the “unlawful, armed occupation” of a federal wildlife refuge in eastern Oregon. An armed group of men took control of the refuge on January 2, 2016 in protest over the prison sentences for two local ranchers convicted of arson. The resolution calls on the self-proclaimed “militiamen” to surrender.

The occupation, led by Ammon Bundy, was sparked by the October re-sentencing of Dwight and Steve Hammond. The father and son pair — who have fought the government for decades over grazing and water rights on public lands — were convicted of arson on federal land. In 2012, the Hammonds received abbreviated sentences, after arguing that the federal five-year minimum for arson is unconstitutional. In October 2015 — after both men had returned home from prison — an appeals court ordered them to complete the federally required five-year sentences. They returned to prison on January 2, 2016.

Two days later, Ammon Bundy, his brother Ryan, and a group of approximately 20 armed followers seized and occupied the refuge in protest of the Hammonds’ new sentences. They also protest what they see as the federal government’s excessive control over federal lands.

Rep. Raúl Grijalva’s (D-AZ) bill points out that the occupation has:

• Prevented twenty refuge employees from reporting to work;

• Resulted in the death of one militant;

• Prevented employees who live on the refuge from accessing their homes;

• Forced local officials to close public schools for security reasons (students did return to school one week after the occupation began).

Argument in favor

Congress should make clear that no one is allowed to take armed control of public property. It is important to set aside federal land and protect it from deforestation, mining, and ranching.

Argument opposed

The federal government has too much control over public lands — making life difficult for farmers and ranchers. This resolution doesn't address the real problem and the root of this occupation.

Impact

The Bundy family, other occupiers, people who work at the refuge, people who live in the area, supporters and critics of the militia men, and Congress.

Cost of H. Res. 575

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In Depth: 

On January 25, 2016 the Ammon brothers and several other occupation organizers were pulled over by state police and the FBI while driving to a community meeting. Shots were fired, killing group spokesman Robert “LaVoy” Finicum and injuring Ryan Bundy after the two men allegedly resisted arrest.

Ammon Bundy and others face federal charges of felony conspiracy to impede federal officers. From custody, Ammon Bundy released a statement praising Lindicum and calling on his friends to “take this fight from here. Please stand down…Please go home.”

By the end of January 26, 2016, the FBI announced that eight more occupiers had left the compound, three of whom were arrested. It is unclear exactly how many people remain.

Of Note: 

Several major GOP presidential candidates—including Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Ben Carson—have condemned the occupation while expressing understanding for the ranchers’ frustrations over federal land.

Ammon and Ryan Bundy’s father, Cliven Bundy, had a nationally followed dispute with the federal government of his own in 2014 over grazing rights on federal land.

Media:

• Statement — Democrats of the House Committee on Natural Resources
  
• The Hill
• Huffington Post
  
• NPR (Context)