WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced the Safe and Open Streets Act, legislation that would make it a federal crime to purposely obstruct, delay, or affect commerce by blocking a public road or highway.
The Safe and Open Streets Act is in direct response to tactics of pro-Palestine 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.
“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,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to introduce the Safe and Open Streets Act so radical activists who resort to these reckless and dangerous tactics are held accountable under the full weight of the law for endangering public safety.”
“Blocking major roads to stop traffic flows is nothing short of lawlessness that should not be tolerated,” said Senator Blackburn. “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.”
It’s already federal law. What is the point of passing the same law again if the current one is not being enforced?
See Uniform Vehicle Code 11-1003
From the Federal Highway Administration’s website, “The UVC was a publication developed by the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances (NCUTLO). It was designed to provide a comprehensive guide of traffic and vehicle codes for States to use as they develop motor vehicle and traffic laws.”
The Uniform Vehicle Code is just a recommendation.
Agree, why make it federal? Enforce the laws already on the books or you will have that problem. If you were to make a new law, how about making it illegal if you fail to enforce the law with swift penalty of position or office?
More federal overreach. This is already a state law (20-174.1).
In NYC today they arrested 123 people for blocking 3 different tunnels. This crap of blocking roads has to stop. I say do whatever it takes. Israel did not start this crap but they need to put an end to it once and for all. This attack killed innocent people just like 9-11 and action has to be taken. It is a shame that Hammas has to hide behind the innocent people. Thats what kind of cowards they are.