As #ShutDownDC protesters descend on Washington, D.C., again on Friday, I am working on a bill that would force arrested protesters to pay for police overtime and other related fees. We need to hold illegal protesters accountable and let taxpayers off the hook for essentially subsidizing their illegal actions.

On Monday morning, over 500,000 car commuters found themselves in gridlock traffic because twerking, glitter-throwing “climate rebels” shut down intersections across Washington. A bright yellow boat appeared in one intersection. Protesters used metal to bind themselves to the boat, forcing police to find tools to cut them free. These protesters were not simply practicing their First Amendment right, they exceeded their rights by protesting illegally and costing taxpayers across this country thousands of dollars.