Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) have introduced the Safe and Open Streets Act, a new legislation aimed at making it a federal crime to intentionally obstruct, delay, or affect commerce by blocking a public road or highway. The bill is a response to the growing trend of radical protestors blocking roads and highways across the country, particularly by those sympathetic to Hamas.

Senator Blackburn emphasized the need to address this issue, stating, "Blocking major roads to stop traffic flows is nothing short of lawlessness that should not be tolerated. 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." She believes that the Safe and Open Streets Act is critical in putting an end to this reckless behavior.

Senator Tillis echoed this sentiment, pointing out the dangers posed by these tactics and the need for accountability. He said, "The emerging tactic of radical protestors blocking roads and stopping commerce is not only obnoxious to innocent commuters, but it's also dangerous and will eventually get people killed. It needs to be a crime throughout the country." Tillis expressed his pride in introducing the Safe and Open Streets Act as a means of holding these activists accountable for endangering public safety.

The Safe and Open Streets Act aims to penalize those who engage in these unlawful activities, imposing fines or up to five years of imprisonment. The legislation directly addresses incidents such as the complete blockage of the Durham Freeway in North Carolina during rush hour, which stranded drivers and disrupted commerce without any arrests being made. Additionally, the act seeks to prevent incidents like the recent blocking of airport access roads in New York City and Los Angeles on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

The introduction of the Safe and Open Streets Act highlights the government's commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring the smooth flow of commerce. By making the intentional obstruction of public roads a federal crime, lawmakers aim to deter radical activists from engaging in these dangerous and disruptive tactics.

To read the full text of the Safe and Open Streets Act, click here.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/1/blackburn-tillis-introduce-bill-to-make-blocking-public-roads-a-federal-crime