A House Republican introduced a bill Friday that would make those charged with violence, looting or vandalism in connection with a protest ineligible for enhanced coronavirus unemployment benefits. The “Support Peaceful Protest Act” would also make rioters “financially liable for the cost of federal policing,” according to the bill, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind. He said many rioters have time to participate in violence because they are unemployed people receiving government benefits -- including increased federal benefits for those who have lost their jobs amid the pandemic. “What my bill would do is add new consequences to those individuals who are breaking the law.”Banks said he supports peaceful protest. He added that the option for peaceful protest is part of being an American, but causing harm to another person or defacing federal property isn’t OK.“We should take those tax dollars away and say that those who break the law in violent protest shouldn’t receive taxpayer dollars."

Source: Fox News August 29, 2020 09:45 UTC