Freedom From Union Violence Act of 2025

H.R. 5054 would modify the Hobbs Anti-Extortion Act to expand federal criminal penalties for violence, robbery, and extortion that interfere with commerce. If enacted, the bill would establish penalties of up to $100,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison for individuals who commit or threaten physical violence to persons or property in furtherance of obstructing commerce. The bill currently has four cosponsors and is under committee consideration.

The legislation specifically targets what its sponsor describes as a legal loophole created by a 1973 Supreme Court decision. The bill would clarify that federal law applies to violence and extortion even when they occur during labor disputes or in pursuit of labor objectives. Currently, the bill exempts minor incidents involving only minor bodily injury or property damage that are not part of a pattern of violent conduct, leaving such cases to state and local prosecution. The bill is still in early stages and has not yet been voted on by the full House.