Oregon Gov. Kate Brown on Wednesday called on federal authorities to take action against the armed group occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Brown told reporters at a news conference that she has expressed frustration over the standoff to the U.S. Department of Justice and the White House, adding that the situation is “absolutely intolerable and it must be resolved immediately.” Brown said she plans to ask federal officials to reimburse the state for the nearly half-million dollars the occupation has allegedly cost Oregon taxpayers. A spokeswoman for the governor said the cost includes paying for additional law-enforcement presence, overtime, travel reimbursement, lodging, and meals.
