Kustoff, Huizenga Introduce Clear the ROADS Act to hold Governor Newsom Accountable, Freeze Federal Highway Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI) recently introduced the Clear the ROADS (Reckless Obstructions and Dangers on Streets) Act in the House of Representatives. The Clear the ROADS Act would withhold federal funding if a state does not make reasonable efforts to prohibit protestors from obstructing traffic.

The Clear the ROADS Act is a direct response to the increasing trend of unlawful traffic-obstructing protests that have popped up across the United States. Recently, rioters and those protesting the removal of criminal illegal immigrants in California shut down the 101 in downtown Los Angeles.

"The Clear the ROADS Act is commonsense legislation that will ensure our highways remain clear and safe for traffic," said Congressman Kustoff. "On multiple occasions, protestors have shut down highways in cities across the U.S. This causes major delays for commuters, prevents emergency services vehicles from saving lives, and puts innocent civilians in danger. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation that will ensure President Trump has the tools he needs to restore law and order."

“The Clear the ROADS Act would provide the Trump Administration with another tool to hold states accountable for ensuring federally funded roads aren’t overrun by these dangerous roadblocking activities,” said Congressman Huizenga. “If States are neglecting their duties to keep their federal taxpayer-funded roads free from these traffic-obstructing actions, then federal taxpayer funds should be withheld from those States. My legislation recognizes that endangering the free flow of ambulances, fire trucks, and other drivers is not an option. Based on Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the recent road-blocking riots in California, the Clear the ROADS Act would provide President Trump, Secretary Duffy, and the Administration with the ability to penalize California’s access to roughly 400 million in taxpayer-funded federal transportation dollars.”

Background:
Currently, states are required to meet certain criteria and conditions to receive their federal transportation funding. These standards are used to encourage basic road safety and traffic laws, or even the national minimum drinking age. In a similar manner, the Clear the ROADS Act would:

• Withhold 10% of a State’s federal highway funds if the State has not made reasonable efforts to prohibit the reckless obstruction of lawful vehicle traffic on their federal-aid eligible roadways
• Require the Secretary of Transportation to annually certify whether a State has met this requirement prior to federal highway funds being apportioned

The Clear the ROADS Act is supported by the America First Policy Institute.
 

Click here for the full text of the bill. 

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