WASHINGTON — In the wake of violent chaos that erupted over the weekend in California, Rep. Tony Wied (R-Wis.) introduced a bill Wednesday to restrict federal funding from localities deemed “anarchist jurisdictions” by the Department of Justice.
The Stop Anarchists From Endangering (SAFE) Cities Act would codify President Trump’s memorandum restricting federal funding for any state or local jurisdiction the Department of Justice identifies to be permitting “anarchy, violence, or destruction.”
“The United States is a nation of laws, and I refuse to stand by and allow violent criminals to wreak havoc in our communities,” said Congressman Wied. “If radical leftwing governors and mayors continue to prioritize criminals and fail to protect their citizens from violent extremists, it is up to the federal government to step in and restore law and order. What we see happening in California is nothing short of anarchy and we will not tolerate it there or anywhere else in the United States of America.”
Background: The summer of 2020 brought a wave of riots, looting, and lawlessness. Sadly, 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clear need for federal intervention, Governor Gavin Newsom is suing the Trump administration to have the National Guard withdrawn – prioritizing political optics over public safety.
The SAFE Cities Act ensures taxpayer dollars are directed toward communities that uphold law and order, rather than those who have disempowered their police departments, ignored violent unrest, and rejected federal law enforcement assistance – allowing criminal activity to flourish at the expense of hardworking citizens and businesses.
Original cosponsors: Rep. Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Rep. Mike Collins (GA-10), Rep. William Timmons (SC-04), Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22), Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-07), and Rep. John McGuire (VA-05).
“Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize anarchist jurisdictions. If radical Democrat governors and mayors fail to protect their citizens from lawlessness, they have no business receiving federal funds. We are a nation of laws, not a playground for anarchy,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07).
“Cities such as Los Angeles have become a safe haven for lawlessness and chaos, all under the watch of Democrat ‘leadership’,” said Congressman Nehls (TX-22). “Under no circumstances should Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars be used to reward communities that incentivize violence against our brave law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, and destroy the property of others. I’m proud to cosponsor my friend and colleague, Congressman Wied’s bill, the SAFE Cities Act, to ensure that cities that allow criminals to flourish, at the expense of hardworking Americans, are held accountable and cities that uphold law and order are rewarded.”
“This is a strong, no-nonsense bill, and I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of Congressman Wied’s SAFE Cities Act. If local leaders are more interested in appeasing radicals than protecting their citizens, they shouldn’t get a single cent of federal funding. This bill puts law-abiding Americans first and forces accountability where it’s long overdue,” said Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10).
“As an original cosponsor of the SAFE Cities Act, I stand firmly with Representative Tony Wied in our commitment to restoring law and order in our communities. The recent violent riots in Los Angeles are a stark reminder of the consequences of allowing anarchy to take hold. We cannot allow taxpayer dollars to fund jurisdictions that permit violence and destruction while rejecting federal assistance. This bill ensures that federal funding is directed toward communities, prioritizing public safety, and supporting our law enforcement officers. It’s time to put the safety of our citizens and businesses first, and I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this crucial legislation,” said Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07).
When local leaders refuse to enforce the law and allow violent mobs to threaten public safety, the federal government must step in,” said Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08). “I’m proud to co-sponsor Rep. Wied’s SAFE Cities Act to ensure that federal resources do not go to localities that do not uphold the rule of law and protect their citizens. This legislation provides a powerful incentive to ensure every city is doing its part to protect law-abiding citizens across the country.”
“If a city refuses to enforce the law and lets violence take over, it should not get a dime of federal funding. I am proud to co-sponsor the SAFE Cities Act because it puts common sense and public safety first. We must stand with law enforcement, not with politicians who let criminals run the show,” said Congressman William Timmons (SC-04).
“It is the responsibility of the government to protect and serve the people, yet some places think they’re exempt from that duty. We have law and order for a reason, and turning a blind eye to violence and destruction from those who think the law doesn’t apply to them puts the American people at risk. The SAFE Cities Act will make sure that every jurisdiction across the country is upholding their duty to the citizens of the United States, protecting our people and cities from the dangers of anarchy,” said Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11).
Read the full bill text HERE. Read the exclusive in Breitbart HERE.
