S. 1136: Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors Act

This bill, titled the Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors Act, proposes several enhancements to criminal sentencing for specific offenses that are coordinated with or directed by foreign governments. Here’s a summary of the key provisions of the bill:

1. Kidnapping

The bill amends the federal law on kidnapping to allow for sentence enhancements of up to 10 years for convictions related to crimes committed knowingly in coordination with a foreign government. For conspiracy related to such offenses, the enhancement can also apply if the convicted person knew that others involved were acting under the direction of a foreign entity. Additionally, attempts to commit kidnapping can see sentence increases of up to 5 years under similar circumstances.

2. Murder-for-Hire

In cases involving the use of interstate commerce for murder-for-hire, the bill allows for a sentence enhancement of up to 5 years if the offense is committed knowingly directed by a foreign government. The enhancement can rise to 10 years if the act results in personal injury and is also directed by a foreign government.

3. Retaliation Against Federal Officials

The bill enhances penalties for offenses against federal officials if these offenses are executed in coordination with a foreign government. Specifically, the sentence can increase by up to 5 years for assaults, and it can rise by 10 years for serious assaults or murders governed under this statute.

4. Stalking

Enhancements for stalking crimes are included as well. If stalking offenses are found to be coordinated with a foreign government, sentences can increase by up to 10 years if the victim dies or if serious bodily injury occurs to the victim and was a direct result of the stalking offense.

5. Protection of U.S. Officers

Sentences for crimes committed against officers of the United States will also be eligible for enhancements of up to 10 years if such crimes were undertaken in coordination with a foreign government.

6. Presidential Assassination and Related Crimes

This bill makes it clear that offenses such as assassination, kidnapping, and assault against the president or their staff can also carry a sentence enhancement of up to 10 years if they are committed with the knowledge or by the direction of a foreign government.

Conclusion on Criminal Sentencing Additions

Overall, the DETERRENCE Act positions several existing criminal offenses to include significant sentencing enhancements specifically when these crimes are directed by or involve foreign governmental coordination. The aim is to increase penalties to deter such actions that might undermine U.S. sovereignty and security.

Relevant Companies

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