June 13, 2025
Mr. Rouzer (for himself and Mr. Edwards) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish a criminal penalty for interfering with commerce by blocking public roads.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Safe and Open Streets Act
.
Sec. 2. Crime of interference with commerce by blocking public roads
(a) In general
Section 1951 of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
(b) Interference with commerce by blocking public roads
(1) Offense
It shall be unlawful to, in any way or degree, purposely obstruct, delay, or affect commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce by blocking a public road or highway, or to attempt or conspire so to do.
(2) Penalty
Any person who violates paragraph (1) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(b) Conforming amendments
(1) Section heading
The heading of section 1951 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking by threats or violence
.
(2) Table of sections
The table of sections for chapter 95 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 1951 and inserting the following:
(3) Cross references
(A) Title 5, United States Code
Section 8332(o)(2)(B)(xx) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking by threats of violence
.
(B) Title 18, United States Code
Part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
(i)
in section 1961(1), by striking , robbery, or extortion
; and
(ii)
in section 2516(1)(c), by striking by threats or violence
.