Tennessee senator introduces bill to make blocking public roads a federal crime
This act would “penalize lawbreakers through fines or up to five years of imprisonment,” Blackburn’s office said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Sen. Marsha Blackburn has introduced a bill that would make it a federal crime to purposely obstruct, delay or affect commerce by blocking a public road or highway.
Blackburn partnered with Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina to introduce the Safe and Open Streets Act.
“Blocking major roads to stop traffic flows is nothing short of lawlessness that should not be tolerated,” Blackburn said. “These activists are not only intentionally creating a dangerous situation for themselves, but perhaps for a citizen, who is awaiting an ambulance or a hard worker who will lose their job for being late. The Safe and Open Streets Act is critical to stopping this reckless behavior, particularly by Hamas sympathizers, in our U.S. cities.”
Below you can find the background of this bill from Blackburn’s office:
- The Safe and Open Streets Act is in direct response to the radical tactics of pro-Palestinian protestors who have intentionally blocked roads and highways across the country.
- In November, protestors completely blocked the Durham Freeway in Durham, North Carolina during rush hour, stranding drivers and compromising the free flow of commerce. No arrests were made.
- Late last month, during one of the busiest travel days of the year, protestors blocked airport access roads in New York City and Los Angeles.
- The Safe and Open Streets Act would penalize lawbreakers through fines or up to five years of imprisonment.
You can read the bill, in its entirety, below:
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