With everything else going on, why is Congress prioritizing anti-protest bills?

On February 4, 2025, Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced S.399, a bill that amends section 1507 of title 18 of the U.S. Code to increase penalties for picketing or protesting near court buildings or the homes of judges, jurors, and other court officers. The bill argues that such protests could intimidate or influence judicial proceedings.

Around the same time, Representative Clay Higgins introduced H.R.1057, which similarly focuses on protests near energy facilities, making it a federal crime to block access to oil refineries, pipelines, and other infrastructure. The bill is framed as protecting critical infrastructure, but critics argue it could criminalize climate activism and labor demonstrations.

With all the major issues facing the country—economic concerns, foreign conflicts, election security, and more—why is Congress choosing to focus on restricting certain types of protests? Is this a legitimate protection against intimidation and disruption, or does it risk undermining First Amendment rights? Isn't this the kind of speech the Founding Fathers specifically wanted to protect?

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/399/text

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1057/text