DETERRENCE Act

Key Points

• The bill creates sentencing enhancements for serious crimes committed in the U.S. when those crimes are directed by or coordinated with a foreign government. Covered offenses include kidnapping, murder-for-hire, stalking, threats against federal officials' families, and attacks on the president or presidential staff.
• Judges could add up to 10 extra years to a prison sentence for kidnapping if the crime was knowingly committed at the direction of a foreign government or its agent. Conspiracy to commit such kidnapping also carries the same 10-year enhancement, while attempts can be increased by up to 5 years.
• Murder-for-hire sentences can be enhanced by up to 5 years when linked to a foreign government, and by up to 10 years if personal injury results. This targets assassination plots and contract killings coordinated by foreign states on U.S. soil.
• The bill adds specific protections for federal employees and their families, as well as the president and presidential staff. Threats, assaults, or violence against these individuals carry enhanced sentences of up to 10 years when directed by a foreign government.
• Stalking penalties get a boost when foreign governments are involved. Sentences can increase by up to 30 months generally, up to 5 years if serious injury occurs or a minor is targeted, and up to 10 years if the victim dies.