MACON, Georgia – Georgia Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) is once again pushing for a federal law that would make it illegal to block interstate highways during protests. The move follows a wave of demonstrations across the country, with many activists taking to the streets to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
A Renewed Attempt at Legislation
The Safe Passage on Interstates Act isn’t new. Collins first introduced the bill during the 118th U.S. Congress in 2023, but it failed to gain traction. This time, with Republicans holding control of both chambers and the White House, Collins believes the bill stands a real chance.
The proposed legislation aims to address a gap in federal law. While several states have existing laws against obstructing highways, there is no federal statute explicitly banning the practice. Collins argues that the impact of roadway protests extends beyond inconvenience.
“Whether it’s interstate commerce, supply chain disruptions, or emergency vehicles being blocked, shutting down interstates is not a right,” Collins said.
Legal and Constitutional Perspectives
Legal experts say the bill’s biggest challenge may not be constitutional concerns, but rather redundancy. David Oedel, a constitutional law professor at Mercer University School of Law, says the First Amendment does not protect speech in all settings, and blocking a highway is not considered a lawful exercise of free speech.
“The First Amendment only allows people to engage in time- and place-appropriate speech,” Oedel explained. “Standing in the middle of an interstate is not appropriate.”
But he also pointed out that most U.S. localities already criminalize unauthorized road blockages.
“If this bill is aiming to address a major legal loophole, it’s a stretch,” Oedel said. “States already have the power to enforce this. The question is whether they choose to.”
Political Landscape and Likelihood of Passage
Collins is confident about the bill’s chances this time around. He cites the Republican-controlled House, Senate, and White House as factors that could shift the outcome in favor of the legislation.
“This time around, you’ve got a Republican-controlled Congress and a Republican administration,” Collins said. “You’re going to see a lot of conservative policies move forward, and this will be one of them.”
However, some political analysts argue that even with Republican majorities, the bill could face pushback. Federal intervention in what has traditionally been a state-level enforcement issue may not sit well with lawmakers who favor local control.
The Broader Debate Over Protest Rights
The conversation around roadway protests is not just a legal one—it’s also deeply tied to America’s history of civil disobedience. Oedel referenced Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail, written after King was arrested for “parading without a permit.” He noted that while such protests are controversial, they have played a significant role in shaping national policies.
“Blocking roads is disruptive, no doubt,” Oedel said. “But history has shown that it can also be an effective way to bring attention to important issues.”
Collins, however, remains firm in his stance that protests should not come at the cost of public safety or economic stability. As the bill moves forward, it is sure to reignite debates on where the line between free speech and public order should be drawn.
