Violent Insurrection Recidivist Enhancement Act of 2026

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.