Sponsors (2)
The bill increases federal authority and penalties to keep roads open and protect commerce, but it federally criminalizes certain protest tactics and may raise civil‑liberties concerns and federal enforcement costs.
Drivers, transportation workers, businesses, and shippers: new federal criminal penalties (up to 5 years) for blocking public roads aim to reduce disruptions to interstate commerce and protect supply chains.
Local and state officials and law enforcement: strengthened federal enforcement support and authority to clear major roadway blockages that halt interstate commerce.
People who protest by blocking roads: become subject to new federal criminal charges, fines, and up to 5 years in prison for conduct that was previously handled under state law, raising civil liberties and free‑speech concerns.
Taxpayers: may face higher federal criminal justice costs as the Department of Justice handles a broader set of road‑blocking prosecutions, increasing caseload and related expenses.
Law enforcement and federal agencies: narrowing statutory language (e.g., removing references to 'threats of violence') could limit charging options or alter use of related surveillance/authorization authorities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a federal crime for intentionally blocking public roads or highways that affects commerce, punishable by fines and up to 5 years imprisonment, and updates related statutory language.
Amends the federal Hobbs Act to make it a crime to deliberately block, delay, or otherwise interfere with commerce by blocking a public road or highway. The change creates federal liability for attempts and conspiracies, and carries penalties of a fine, up to 5 years in prison, or both. It also updates related statutory cross-references and makes conforming edits; no new funding or effective date is specified.
Introduced June 13, 2025 by David Rouzer · Last progress June 13, 2025