Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), joined Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-01), Vice Chair of HFAC, in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to protect U.S. citizens from violence directed by foreign powers. Their Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors (DETERRENCE) Act would permit increased criminal sentences for those who commit certain crimes at the direction of, or in coordination with, a foreign government. They were joined by HFAC members, Congressmen Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23).
“Recent assassination attempts and threats against President Trump and other U.S. citizens by Iran underscore the urgent need for strong and practical deterrence against all foreign regimes who seek to harm Americans on our soil,” said Congressman Moran. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a testament to America’s unwavering commitment to protecting its people and leaders. The DETERRENCE Act delivers a clear and resolute message: any attempt to harm Americans will be met with swift and decisive punishment.”
Foreign adversaries like Iran have grown increasingly brazen in their attempts to threaten and carry out violence against U.S. citizens, including President Donald J. Trump. In November, the Department of Justice (DOJ) charged three individuals with attempted murder-for-hire of an American citizen, in coordination with Iran. The criminal complaint revealed that one of the charged individuals had been tasked by the Iranian regime with surveilling and plotting to assassinate President Trump. In September, the DOJ indicted a Pakistani national with ties to Iran in connection with a separate foiled plot to assassinate President Trump.
Congressman Moran’s legislation would permit enhanced criminal sentences for those who commit the following crimes at the direction of, or in coordination with, a foreign government:
Murder-for-hire sentences could increase by 10-years if death or injury results, with a 5-year increase for attempted murder-for-hire.
Murder of federal officers and employees (including military) sentences could increase by 10-years.
Kidnapping sentences could increase by 10-years, with a 5-year increase for attempted kidnapping.
Stalking sentences could be increased by 2.5 years; 5 years if injury results or a deadly weapon is used; and 10 years if death results.
Threats of violence against current and former U.S. officials and their families sentences could increase by 10 years for use of a dangerous weapon during threat.
Violent crimes against current and former U.S. officials and their families sentences could increase by 10 years for murder, assault with injury, or use of a dangerous weapon; sentences could increase by 5 years for assault without injury.
Violent crimes against the president, vice president, president-elect, or vice-president elect sentences could be increased by 10 years.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
