Sheehy Introduces Bill to Stop Federal Funding for Anarchist Cities

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy today introduced the Stop Anarchists from Endangering (SAFE) Cities Act, a bill to stop taxpayer dollars from funding cities that routinely weaken their police departments, ignore civil unrest, and allow violent criminals to have free rein at the expense of law-abiding citizens, their businesses, and their families.

“It’s not too much for Americans to ask that their local governments put the safety of their people first, but too often, far-left public officials allow violent criminals to wreak havoc on families, communities, and businesses with no consequence. Ensuring taxpayer dollars go to communities who uphold the law and keep their citizens safe is America First common sense. I’m proud to lead this effort in the Senate to put public safety ahead of the violent thugs who have assaulted law enforcement, destroyed neighborhoods, and put American families in harm’s way,” said Senator Sheehy.

The SAFE Cities Act directs the Attorney General to identify and publish a list of “anarchist jurisdictions,” to ensure federal taxpayer dollars go to communities that uphold law and order, not those who put violent criminals ahead of public safety. The House companion to the SAFE Cities Act was introduced in June by Representative Tony Wied (R-Wis.).

“The United States is a nation of laws, and I refuse to stand by and allow violent criminals to wreak havoc in our communities. I’m grateful to Senator Sheehy for standing with me and declaring that we will no longer allow radical elected officials to be rewarded for putting violent extremists over law-abiding citizens. They must either restore the rule of law in their communities or lose their federal funding. They can’t have both,” said Congressman Wied.

Background:

The summer of 2020 brought a wave of riots, looting, and lawlessness. Unfortunately, many state and local officials allowed the criminals wreaking havoc free rein, and in some instances, entire neighborhoods were overtaken by violent extremists for several weeks. Those actions prompted President Trump to issue a Presidential Memorandum instructing the Attorney General to review funding to state and local government recipients that were permitting anarchy, violence, and destruction in American cities.

Recently in Los Angeles, protests against federal immigration enforcement spiraled into violent riots, forcing federal agents into dangerous confrontations where demonstrators hurled rocks and cement, set vehicles on fire, and attempted to block law enforcement officers from carrying out their duties. In response, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order. Despite the clear need for federal intervention, Governor Gavin Newsom sued the Trump administration to have the National Guard withdrawn – prioritizing political optics over public safety.

Learn more about the SAFE Cities Act HERE. Read the full text of the bill HERE.