The HoR recently passed H.R. 347, dubbed the Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011. This bill, on the surface, makes it illegal to trespass on the grounds of the White House. But the fine print gives the government the power to bring charges against Americans engaged in political protests anywhere in the country. The White House stipulation is acceptable, and truthfully, should've been passed a long time ago. But giving the government these extended powers directly violates the First Amendment, which forbids Congress from infringing on "the right of the people peacefully to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." This bill should be immediately repealed, and such legislation should be more carefully examined in the future.



