Senator Tuberville Backs Bill to Criminalize Blocking Public Roads
Safe and Open Streets Act turns makes intentional obstruction of public roads a federal crime.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R‑AL) is a co-sponsor of the Safe and Open Streets Act, a bill that turns the intentional obstruction of public roads into a federal crime.
The legislation, introduced alongside Senators Thom Tillis (R‑NC), Marsha Blackburn (R‑TN), Ted Budd (R‑NC), and Bill Cassidy (R‑LA), targets protesters that disrupt commerce with their tactics. Under the Act, anyone who intentionally blocks or delays vehicle traffic on public highways could face fines or a prison term of up to five years.
The bill was precipitated by a series of protests in Los Angeles sparked by anti‑ICE demonstrations earlier this month. Protesters reportedly shut down stretches of the 101 Freeway on June 8, halting traffic and emergency services.
Sen. Tuberville voiced sharp criticism of California officials, calling out Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“For nearly a week, we watched as domestic terrorists assaulted ICE and law enforcement officers, set fire to cop cars, and blocked streets in Los Angeles and in other blue cities across the country—all while Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass sat on their tails and did nothing,” Senator Tuberville said. “The First Amendment gives us the right to freedom of assembly, but it doesn’t give the right to block our streets and put American lives at risk. I’m proud to join the Safe and Open Streets Act that restores law and order by holding radical protestors accountable.”
Sen. Tillis raised the alarm over the dangers posed by such protests. “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,” he said. “It needs to be a crime throughout the country.”
Sen. Blackburn stressed that the bill ensures that emergency vehicles can respond to calls without delay. She warned that such protests create dangerous situations for all citizens.
Sen. Budd echoed Sen. Blackburn’s concerns: “Protestors who willfully block traffic pose a serious threat to public safety by impacting the flow of emergency vehicles and personnel,” he stated, noting the need to preserve citizens’ access to work, school, and emergency aid.
Sen. Cassidy emphasized that peaceful protest is a constitutional right—but does not include disrupting livelihoods or emergency services.
The full text of the bill can be found HERE.
