A Republican bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Safe and Open Streets Act aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It seeks to establish a new criminal penalty for interfering with commerce by blocking public roads. This includes actions that purposely obstruct, delay, or affect the movement of articles or commodities in commerce. The bill would also make attempting or conspiring to block roads unlawful. Additionally, it includes conforming amendments to various sections of the United States Code.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +2
Would business owners be better off under this?
Business owners benefit from more predictable and unhindered transport of goods and commodities.
- Scored +2
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands federal jurisdiction by establishing new criminal penalties under Title 18 for road obstruction.
- Scored +1
Would farmers be better off under this?
Farmers benefit from more reliable transport of their agricultural products to market.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -3
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?
The bill creates criminal penalties for blocking roads, which could potentially be used to target political demonstrations or free speech activities.
- Scored -3
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
The bill establishes criminal penalties for actions that could potentially impact public protest and free expression.
- Scored -2
Does this change how police departments operate?
The bill expands criminal penalties for specific types of protest-related disruptions, which some may view as a restriction on civil disobedience.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Criminal Penalties for Road Obstruction: Under Section 2(a)(1), the bill makes it unlawful to purposely obstruct or delay commerce by blocking a public road or highway. This provides a legal mechanism to penalize those who attempt or conspire to block the movement of goods and commodities.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Imprisonment and Fines: According to Section 2(a)(2), any person found in violation of the new law could face a fine or imprisonment for up to 5 years.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — The bill creates criminal penalties for blocking roads, which could potentially be used to target political demonstrations or free speech activities. Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill expands criminal penalties for specific types of protest-related disruptions, which some may view as a restriction on civil disobedience. Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — The bill introduces new criminal penalties and potential imprisonment for obstructing commerce via public roads.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Business owners benefit from more predictable and unhindered transport of goods and commodities. Would farmers be better off under this? — Farmers benefit from more reliable transport of their agricultural products to market.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — By penalizing road obstructions, the bill seeks to ensure the steady movement of goods essential for economic activity. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Ensuring unobstructed movement of goods can benefit businesses reliant on timely logistics.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal jurisdiction by establishing new criminal penalties under Title 18 for road obstruction. Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — By ensuring the movement of goods across public roads, the bill facilitates smoother interstate commerce. Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The bill establishes criminal penalties for actions that could potentially impact public protest and free expression.
- 6/13/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Chuck EdwardsRepublican · North Carolina