Yellowhammer Times

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has joined several Republican senators in introducing the Safe and Open Streets Act, legislation aimed at making it a federal crime to deliberately block public roads or highways. The bill was introduced in response to recent protests in Los Angeles that involved the obstruction of roadways.

The proposed law would impose fines or prison sentences of up to five years on individuals who intentionally obstruct, delay, or impact commerce by blocking public thoroughfares. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) also sponsored the bill.

“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,” said Senator Tuberville. “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.”

Senator Tuberville criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for not acting against those involved in the demonstrations. The full text of the bill is available online.

Senator Tuberville represents Alabama in the U.S. Senate, where he serves on committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging.