U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has introduced a new bill aimed at targeting entities that fund or coordinate violent riots. The proposed legislation, known as the Stop Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots (Stop FUNDERs) Act, seeks to amend the federal anti-riot statute by adding rioting to the list of RICO predicate offenses. This change would allow the Department of Justice to utilize RICO tools against those involved in violent interstate riots.
Senator Cruz stated, “Every American has the right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest, but not to commit violence. Domestic NGOs and foreign adversaries fund and use riots in the United States to undermine the security and prosperity of Americans. My legislation will give the Department of Justice the tools it needs to hold them accountable, and I urge colleagues to pass it expeditiously.”
The bill is supported by several co-sponsors including Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).
Senator Cornyn commented on the need for this legislation, saying, “Radical, left-wing groups who fund acts of violence, coordinate attacks against law enforcement, and spearhead the destruction of property must be stopped. This legislation would add rioting to the list of racketeering offenses to crack down on this lawless behavior while ensuring the First Amendment rights of free speech and peaceful protest are protected.”
Similarly, Senator Tuberville remarked on recent political tensions: “77 million Americans voted for President Trump and his America First policy agenda – and that includes arresting and deporting illegal aliens. Democrats don’t like that – so they are rioting in the streets and violently attacking law enforcement officers. This cannot stand.”
Additional support comes from Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas-24), who introduced companion legislation in the House. She emphasized treating violent activists as part of organized crime: “The standard of treating violent, extremist activists as individual criminals must end.”
The Stop FUNDERs Act aims to enhance criminal penalties for those funding or organizing violent riots by enabling joint liability, group prosecution, conspiracy charges, asset forfeiture under RICO statutes.
