Tillis, Blackburn propose Safe and Open Streets Act

Intentionally obstructing, delaying, or affecting commerce by blocking a public road or highway would become a federal crime under legislation recently offered by U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

“The emerging tactic of radical protesters blocking roads and stopping commerce is not only obnoxious to innocent commuters, but it’s also dangerous and will eventually get people killed,” Sen. Tillis said on Monday. “It needs to be a crime throughout the country.” 

“Blocking major roads to stop traffic flows is nothing short of lawlessness that should not be tolerated,” added Sen. Blackburn.

Sen. Tillis on Dec. 13, 2023, sponsored the Safe and Open Streets Act, S. 3492, alongside original cosponsor Sen. Blackburn in response to pro-Palestine protesters who have purposely blocked roads and highways across the country. 

In November 2023, for instance, protesters blocked the Durham Freeway in Durham, N.C., during rush hour, and late last month, they blocked airport access roads in New York City and Los Angeles.

“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,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The Safe and Open Streets Act is critical to stopping this reckless behavior, particularly by Hamas sympathizers, in our U.S. cities.”

Under S. 3492, such actions would be punishable by a fine, imprisonment of not more than five years, or both, according to the text of the bill.

“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,” said Sen. Tillis.

The legislation has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.