Opinion Pieces

The following opinion editorial appeared in the Washington Examiner on September 27, 2019.

As #ShutDownDC protesters descend on Washington, D.C., again on Friday, I am working on a bill that would force arrested protesters to pay for police overtime and other related fees. We need to hold illegal protesters accountable and let taxpayers off the hook for essentially subsidizing their illegal actions.

On Monday morning, over 500,000 car commuters found themselves in gridlock traffic because twerking, glitter-throwing "climate rebels" shut down intersections across Washington. A bright yellow boat appeared in one intersection. Protesters used metal to bind themselves to the boat, forcing police to find tools to cut them free. These protesters were not simply practicing their First Amendment right, they exceeded their rights by protesting illegally and costing taxpayers across this country thousands of dollars.

All told, D.C. police arrested 26 individuals in association with the protest. U.S. Capitol Police arrested another six.

I doubt anyone, after spending hours in traffic, was “converted” as a result of these protests. But these protesters did succeed in putting themselves and the public’s safety at risk. Imagine if someone was rushing to the hospital? Sensibly, out of concern for public safety, Washington has decided to make it illegal to block traffic.

I am working on a congressional bill to place the financially liability of illegal protests on the protesters arrested. The purpose of this bill is two-fold: One, it means taxpayers won’t have to pay a dime for these disruptive, illegal protests. Two, it will disincentivize protests that pose a threat to public safety.

Under my bill, a person will be responsible for public safety response costs incurred by the District of Columbia’s response to a demonstration if, in connection with the demonstration, the person is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor offense.

As a guardian of Hoosier taxpayer money, I will not standby idly while their money is wasted.

Moreover, lawless protests are on the rise. Antifa, a brutal, thuggish organization that employs violence to silence political opponents, has rioted at President Trump’s inauguration, attacked a journalist in Portland, and attacked police in Boston. Each time this group descends on a community, the police must set up physical barriers and have officers work overtime to ensure law and order. It’s time antifa start paying for the chaos they create.

For those worried this bill will restrict innocent people's First Amendment rights, it will not. There’s a saying by John Stuart Mill, “My right to swing my fist ends where your nose begins.” D.C. government has already said blocking traffic, assaulting innocent people, damaging private property, etc., is when a line is crossed and a lawful protest devolves into unlawful behavior. My bill does not try to redraw that line. It merely amplifies the consequence for illegal behavior.

I hope my bill receives widespread, bipartisan support. I imagine taxpayers in Rhode Island or New York have little interest in funding these disruptive, illegal protests.