Congress·In Committee·H.R. 6953

Congress proposes longer prison terms for repeat violent attacks tied to election results

Violent Insurrection Recidivist Enhancement Act of 2026

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

Creates extra prison time for people convicted again of certain violent, election-related attacks at the Capitol, White House, or Supreme Court grounds.
Defines “violent insurrection” as unlawful entry plus violence or threats, blocking election-related proceedings, or damaging property—plus attempts or conspiracy.
Allows added prison time on top of the base sentence: up to 4 more years in general, 5 more years for serious felonies, and up to 10 more years for certain crimes tied to officials, property, or proceedings.
For some major national security crimes (like treason or seditious conspiracy), repeat “anti-democratic” conduct could lead to a life sentence, with at least 15 years served.
Says a presidential pardon or a conviction being set aside may not stop the repeat-offender penalty in future cases, and keeps appeal rights and constitutional protections.

Criminal JusticeCivil RightsNational Security

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Negative Impacts(3)

Criminal Record

Hurts

Housing Assistance

Hurts

Child Tax Credit

Hurts

Mixed Impacts(1)

Federal Employee

Neutral

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Jan 6, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Jan 6, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Immediately after the law’s effective date (the bill does not state a delayed start)

If Congress passes the bill and it is signed into law, the enhanced sentencing rules begin applying only to covered federal crimes committed after the law takes effect.

People who commit a new covered offense after the effective date could face extra years in prison if they have a prior qualifying conviction (even if it was pardoned or set aside in some situations described in the bill).

In the first weeks to months after enactment

Federal prosecutors begin requesting the recidivist enhancement in eligible cases.

Charging and plea negotiations may change, because defendants facing the enhancement have more time at stake and may fight cases differently or seek different plea deals.

As qualifying cases reach sentencing after enactment

Federal judges begin applying (or rejecting) the enhancement based on the facts of each case.

Outcomes can vary by case: some repeat offenders could get up to 4, 5, or 10 extra years, and in the most serious listed crimes a life sentence with at least 15 years may be available.

Months to years after enactment as cases move through the courts

Appeals are filed specifically challenging the enhancement and how prior convictions (including pardoned or set-aside ones) are counted.

Some sentences may be delayed or changed on appeal, and courts may clarify how the law is applied in edge cases like “attempt,” “conspiracy,” or what counts as a “pattern of anti-democratic conduct.”