Sheehy Introduces Bill to Block Federal Funding for ‘Anarchist Jurisdictions’

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy introduced legislation Monday aimed at preventing federal funding from reaching cities and states that he characterizes as failing to maintain law and order.

The Stop Anarchists from Endangering Cities Act, or SAFE Cities Act, would direct the U.S. Attorney General to identify and publish a list of “anarchist jurisdictions” and restrict their eligibility for federal grants.

“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,” Sheehy said in a statement.

Under the bill’s definition, an “anarchist jurisdiction” would be a state or local government that has “refused to take reasonable steps to stop acts of violence and destruction of property.”

Sheehy’s office did not respond to requests for comment about whether any Montana jurisdictions could potentially meet the bill’s criteria for designation.

The legislation outlines four specific criteria the Attorney General would consider when identifying such jurisdictions:

• Having policies that prevent law enforcement from intervening to restore order during widespread violence
• Preventing law enforcement from policing geographical areas they are legally entitled to patrol
• Disempowering or defunding law enforcement agencies
• Unreasonably refusing federal law enforcement assistance

The Attorney General would be required to publish an initial list within 14 days of the bill’s enactment and update it every 180 days, according to the legislation.

The bill includes an exception for tactical decisions to temporarily withhold law enforcement officers “intended to resolve safely and expeditiously a specific and ongoing unlawful incident posing an imminent threat.”

Representative Tony Wied of Wisconsin introduced companion legislation in the House in June.

“The United States is a nation of laws, and I refuse to stand by and allow violent criminals to wreak havoc in our communities,” Wied said. “They must either restore the rule of law in their communities or lose their federal funding. They can’t have both.”

According to Sheehy’s office, the legislation was prompted by events including the 2020 protests and riots following George Floyd’s death, as well as recent demonstrations that turned into riots in Los Angeles against federal immigration enforcement.

The press release cited recent Los Angeles riots where demonstrators hurled rocks and cement, set vehicles on fire, and attempted to block law enforcement officers from carrying out their duties. President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order, while California Governor Gavin Newsom sued to have the Guard withdrawn.

The bill references similar concerns that led President Trump to issue a 2020 presidential memorandum instructing the Attorney General to review funding for jurisdictions “permitting anarchy, violence, and destruction in American cities.”

Within 30 days of enactment, the Office of Management and Budget would issue guidance to federal agencies on restricting grants to designated anarchist jurisdictions “to the maximum extent permitted by law.”

The legislation has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.