Summary
Makes punishments more severe for serious crimes, like kidnapping or murder, when they are carried out with help or orders from a foreign government.
What problem does this solve?
Foreign governments sometimes direct crimes in the U.S. to silence their critics. This bill adds extra prison time for these offenses to protect people and discourage foreign interference.
Who does this affect?
- Individuals targeted by foreign governments
- U.S. federal officials and their families
- Criminals acting on behalf of foreign nations
What does this bill do?
Harsher penalties for kidnapping linked to foreign governments
Adds up to 10 extra years in prison for kidnapping or conspiracy to kidnap, and up to 5 years for attempted kidnapping, if the crime was directed by a foreign government.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3
Header:
Use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire
Increased sentences for foreign-directed murder-for-hire
Adds up to 5 years to a sentence for murder-for-hire. The increase becomes up to 10 years if someone is injured as a result of the crime.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 4
Header:
Influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official
Longer sentences for harming families of federal officials
Adds between 5 and 10 extra years for threatening or harming a federal official's family member if the act was coordinated with a foreign government.
Tougher punishment for foreign-directed stalking
Increases sentences for stalking when directed by a foreign power. The extra time ranges from 30 months to 10 years, depending on if the victim was injured or killed.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 6
Header:
Protection of officers and employees of the United States
Extra prison time for harming federal employees
Allows a sentence to be increased by up to 10 years for killing or attempting to kill a U.S. officer or employee if a foreign government was involved.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 7
Header:
Presidential and presidential staff assassination, kidnapping, and assault
Strengthens penalties for attacks on the President
Adds up to 10 years to sentences for assassinating, kidnapping, or assaulting the President, Vice President, or their staff if the crime was directed by a foreign government.
What is the real world impact?
•
Protects people in the U.S. from foreign government threats
Aims to stop foreign governments from reaching into the U.S. to harm, silence, or intimidate people, a practice known as transnational repression.
•
Sends a strong message to hostile nations
Serves as a clear warning to other countries that the U.S. will not tolerate them directing criminal activities on its soil and will punish those involved severely.
When does this start?
The new sentencing rules would take effect as soon as the bill is signed into law.