U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) today introduced the Stop Anarchists from Endangering (SAFE) Cities Act, a bill aimed at cutting off federal taxpayer dollars to cities that, in Sheehy’s view, “weaken their police departments, ignore civil unrest, and allow violent criminals to have free rein.”
The legislation would require the U.S. Attorney General to identify and publish a list of so-called “anarchist jurisdictions,” effectively flagging municipalities where local leaders fail to uphold public safety standards. Cities placed on that list would be ineligible for federal funding under the bill.
“It’s not too much for Americans to ask that their local governments put the safety of their people first,” Sheehy said in a statement. “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.”
The House companion bill was introduced last month by Rep. Tony Wied (R-Wis.), who echoed Sheehy’s sentiment. “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.”
The proposal comes amid renewed national debate over law enforcement, federalism, and the role of local governance in maintaining public order. Supporters of the SAFE Cities Act argue it is a necessary measure to hold local governments accountable and ensure taxpayer money supports law-abiding communities.
Opponents are expected to challenge the bill on constitutional grounds, arguing it could infringe on states’ rights and local autonomy, and that the designation of “anarchist jurisdictions” may be politically motivated.
The origins of the measure date back to 2020, when President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum calling for a review of federal funding to cities that were “permitting anarchy, violence, and destruction.” That directive came in the wake of widespread protests and civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd.
Citing recent protests in Los Angeles over federal immigration enforcement—where demonstrators reportedly hurled projectiles, set vehicles ablaze, and clashed with law enforcement—Sheehy pointed to what he called “a pattern of political leaders prioritizing optics over safety.”
In that instance, Governor Gavin Newsom sued the Trump administration to withdraw deployed National Guard troops, despite ongoing unrest. “This is exactly the kind of leadership failure that this bill is designed to address,” Sheehy added.
The SAFE Cities Act is likely to face uphill challenges in the Democrat-controlled Senate but signals a broader strategy by Senate Republicans to spotlight public safety as a central issue heading into the 2026 midterms.
By: DNU staff