#HR1057: Penalties for #protesters on #InterstateHighways

"Would create steep new penalties for #protesters deemed to be 'deliberately delaying traffic,' 'standing or approaching a motor vehicle,' or 'endangering the safe movement of a motor vehicle' on an interstate highway 'with the intent to obstruct the free, convenient, and normal use of the interstate highway.' The new federal offense would be punishable by up to $10,000 and 15 years in prison—a far harsher penalty than is the case under many states' laws, which generally already criminalize walking or standing on the highway. The bill provides an exception for 'any lawful activity' authorized by federal, state, or local law. However, it could still seemingly cover far more than 'blocking' the interstate, including a #PeacefulProtest on the shoulder of an interstate or a convoy-style, driving protest that slowed traffic. The sponsor of the bill made clear that it was in response to protesters. The same bill was introduced as HR 7349 in 2024.

Status: pending

Introduced 6 Feb 2025.

Issue(s): Traffic Interference

Press release by bill sponsor Rep. #MikeCollins (GA-10):
https://collins.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-mike-collins-reintroduces-safe-passage-interstates-act

Full text of bill:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1057
#CriminalizingDissent #AntiProtestLaws #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Clampdown #CiminalizingProtest #Section25 #JustStopOil #SlowMarch #CharacteristicsOfFascism

#BrandonGill's measure is co-sponsored by Reps. #EliCrane (R-#Arizona), #BuddyCarter (R-#Georgia), #MikeCollins (R-GA), #BarryMoore (R-#Alabama) & #AndrewClyde (R-GA).

#Republicans have also moved to #impeach federal judges Paul Engelmayer, John McConnell Jr., John Bates & Amir Hatem Mahdy Ali — all for ruling in some way against #Trump.

#law #Constitution #ChecksAndBalances #JudicialBranch #Judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #CoEqualBranchesOfGovernment #ConstitutionalCrisis