Republican Georgia Representative Mike Collins is set to reintroduce legislation aimed at criminalizing protests that intentionally block highways on the Interstate System.
“I will soon reintroduce legislation to make blocking a highway intentionally a federal crime. First Hamas supporters, now illegals and their enablers, are stopping traffic. To make America safe again, we must have law and order,” said Collins on Sunday.
The original bill, titled the Safe Passage on Interstates Act of 2024, seeks to impose strict penalties on individuals who obstruct roadways, endangering public safety and disrupting the flow of traffic.
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The legislation, co-sponsored by Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), and Burgess Owens (R-Utah), was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further review.
The Safe Passage on Interstates Act would amend Title 18 of the United States Code to make it a federal offense to knowingly obstruct interstate highways. The bill defines “interstate highway” as any highway on the Interstate System, as outlined in federal law.
Under the proposed legislation, it would be unlawful to:
- Deliberately delay traffic on an interstate highway.
- Stand or approach a motor vehicle on an interstate highway.
- Endanger the safe movement of a motor vehicle on an interstate highway.
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The bill includes exceptions for lawful activities conducted or authorized by federal, state, or local governments.
The bill imposes severe penalties for violations, including:
- General Obstruction: A fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 15 years, or both.
- Obstruction of Emergency Vehicles: A fine of up to $15,000, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both.
- Violations Resulting in Death: A fine of up to the applicable amount, imprisonment for any term of years or for life, or both.
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