State officials have announced that deploying 200 members of the Oregon National Guard will cost the federal government at least $3.8 million.
“For 80 days of service from these 200 members, the total will be around $3.8 million, not including additional logistics and pay allowances,” a state official mentioned during a recent meeting with the Oregon legislature.
“Compensation varies based on rank and local housing allowances. We’ve prepared estimates before, though. Even though 200 days in total span 80 operational days, those orders cover a 60-day mission, factoring in training periods at the start and finish,” Gibson explained during testimony to a subcommittee.
The Department of Defense (DOD) has authorized the deployment of these Oregon National Guard members shortly after President Trump announced plans to send troops to safeguard both the city of Portland and ICE facilities.
This decision has faced significant backlash from local residents, along with criticism from various leaders and Democratic representatives in Congress. Officials from Oregon even filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Sunday, seeking to block the troop deployment into Portland.
In recent months, cities like Portland, Washington DC, and Los Angeles have all seen National Guard troops patrolling their streets.
Gibson also informed state legislators that the National Guard troops would not be sourced from the Portland area. “If they are part of any law enforcement in Portland or Multnomah County, we won’t include them in this deployment, as it would distract from the essential duties they’re already performing in those communities,” he stated.
