Introduced in Senate

[Congressional Bills 118th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [S. 192 Introduced in Senate (IS)] 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 192 To criminalize the intentional obstruction of roadways on the Interstate System. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 31, 2023 Mr. Rubio (for himself and Mr. Cramer) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To criminalize the intentional obstruction of roadways on the Interstate System. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Safe Passage on Interstates Act of 2023''.

SEC. 2. OBSTRUCTION OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS.

SEC. 2. OBSTRUCTION OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. (a) In General.--Chapter 65 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 1370. Obstruction of interstate highways ``(a) Definition.--In this section, the term `interstate highway' means a highway on the Interstate System (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23). ``(b) Offense.-- ``(1) In general.--It shall be unlawful to knowingly engage in an activity described in paragraph (2) on an interstate highway with the intent to obstruct the free, convenient, and normal use of the interstate highway. ``(2) Activities described.--The activities described in this paragraph are-- ``(A) deliberately delaying traffic on an interstate highway; ``(B) standing or approaching a motor vehicle on an interstate highway; or ``(C) endangering the safe movement of a motor vehicle on an interstate highway. ``(3) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any lawful activity conducted or authorized by the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State. ``(c) Penalties.-- ``(1) In general.--Any person who violates subsection (b) shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned for not more than 15 years, or both. ``(2) Obstruction of emergency vehicle.--Any person who, in the course of violating subsection (b), knowingly obstructs the passage of an authorized emergency vehicle (as defined in

section 1001.4 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, or any

section 1001.4 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation) shall be fined not more than $15,000, imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or both. ``(3) Violation resulting in death.--Any person who commits a violation of subsection (b) that results in the death of any other person shall be fined not more than the applicable amount under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection, imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both.''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 65 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``1370. Obstruction of interstate highways.''.