Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is the latest GOP lawmaker to introduce federal legislation intended to force public officials in Democrat strongholds to protect their residents.
In cities across the country, mayors and other urban officials have declined to confront left-wing rioters, looters and arsonists.
Instead, they have enabled them, and even ceded territory for Black Lives Matter and Antifa “autonomous zones.”
Cruz unveiled his Restitution for Economic losses Caused by Leaders who Allow Insurrection and Mayhem Act, or RECLAIM Act, on Wednesday.
He told Fox News host Sean Hannity that “anyone who’s physically harmed in a lawless autonomous zone” could personally sue the local officials responsible for failing to protect them.
Cruz added that business owners, homeowners and anyone else who suffers harm as a result of public officials barring the police from enforcing the rule of law would be able to sue for “treble damages,” or three times the amount of incurred losses.
“The Democrats have unleashed the craziest, angriest voices in their party,” he said, “and we’re seeing extreme radicals advocate for socialism, we’re seeing them advocate for lawless autonomous zones.”
In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Cruz declared, that, “As public officials, our first responsibility is to protect our fellow citizens.”
The RECLAIM Act would further remove or limit federal grant assistance for local governments that bar police forces from protecting citizens and their property inside law enforcement free autonomous zones.
Cruz said in a statement that he will address the crisis of left-wing political violence and the protections offered by friendly politicians next week in a committee hearing.
“The hearing will highlight how Antifa and other anarchists are hijacking peaceful protests and engaging in political violence that is not only criminal, but antithetical to the First Amendment,” he said.
A similar bill was proposed in the House earlier this month.
Known as the Justice for Victims of Lawless Cities Act, the legislation would allow victims in Black Lives Matter-inspired autonomous zones to sue cities and states.
“Any state or city that takes federal funds and fails to enforce the laws should both lose those funds and be liable for the harm they have allowed to occur, including those allowing lawless autonomous zones to be created,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, the bill’s co-sponsor.
A third bill would make it a federal crime to assault any law-enforcement officer during a riot.
The No Reward for Inciting Organized Turmoil, or No RIOT Act would update current penalties to include local and state officers trying to maintain order.
“I join most Americans in being appalled by increasing attacks on our law enforcement nationwide,” said Rep. Dan Bishop, R-NC, the bill sponsor.
