The DETERRENCE Act increases criminal sentences for violent crimes and threats when they are directed by or coordinated with foreign governments or their agents. The bill amends existing federal laws covering kidnapping, murder-for-hire, threats against federal officials and their families, stalking, attacks on U.S. government employees, and attempts on the lives of the President or presidential staff. Perpetrators acting at the direction of or in coordination with foreign governments could face additional sentences ranging from 5 to 30 months or even 10 years, depending on the severity of the crime and whether injuries or deaths result. The legislation applies to direct perpetrators as well as conspirators who knowingly participate with foreign agents. No specific funding or implementation timeline is included in the bill.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.