Safe Passage on Interstates Act of 2025

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill 119 HR 1057, also known as the "Interstate Roadway Obstruction Act," aims to make it a criminal offense to intentionally block or obstruct roadways on the Interstate System. The bill specifically targets individuals or groups who engage in protests or demonstrations that disrupt traffic flow on these major highways.

If passed, the bill would make it a federal offense to intentionally obstruct an interstate highway, punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. The bill does not specify the exact penalties for this offense, but it is likely to be treated as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the obstruction.

Supporters of the bill argue that blocking interstate highways poses a serious safety risk to both motorists and protesters, as it can lead to accidents, delays in emergency response, and overall chaos on the roads. They believe that criminalizing this behavior will deter individuals from engaging in such actions and help maintain order and safety on the highways. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it infringes on the First Amendment right to peaceful assembly and protest. They believe that blocking roadways is a form of civil disobedience that has historically been used to draw attention to important social issues and should not be criminalized. Overall, the Interstate Roadway Obstruction Act is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the balance between public safety and the right to protest. It remains to be seen how Congress will ultimately decide on this bill and what impact it will have on future demonstrations on the Interstate System.