Tuberville, Cruz Introduce Legislation Targeting Funders of Violent Interstate Riots

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a move aimed at expanding federal prosecutorial tools against organized violence, U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have introduced the Stop Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots (Stop FUNDERs) Act. The bill seeks to classify rioting as a predicate offense under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, empowering the Department of Justice to pursue entities that fund or coordinate violent interstate protests.

The legislation comes in response to recent unrest in cities like Los Angeles, where demonstrations over immigration enforcement and other issues have escalated into violence, resulting in millions of dollars in damage and increased assaults on federal officers.

Senators' Statements

Senator Tuberville emphasized the bill's alignment with the America First agenda, stating, "Democrats don't like that – so they are rioting in the streets and violently attacking law enforcement officers. This cannot stand... We have to cut these violent riots off at the source. The adults are back in charge, and law and order will prevail".

Senator Cruz echoed the urgency, saying, "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".

Legislative Scope and Support

The bill would amend 18 U.S.C. § 1961 to include "rioting" as defined by the federal anti-riot statute, enabling the DOJ to deploy RICO tools such as conspiracy charges, asset forfeiture, and enhanced criminal penalties. It also aims to deter abuse of nonprofit status and expose hidden financial pipelines behind politically motivated violence.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mike Lee (R-UT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Josh Hawley (R-MO). Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) introduced companion legislation in the House.

Advocacy and Reactions

The bill has received endorsements from Heritage Action and the National Right to Work Committee. Supporters argue it is a necessary step to combat what they describe as "organized crime" behind violent protests, while critics have raised concerns about potential overreach and implications for civil liberties.