The Senate passed a bipartisan bill that would impose tougher penalties on individuals convicted of carrying out crimes on behalf of foreign adversaries.
The Deterrence Act, introduced by Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Jim Banks (R-IN), aims to extend prison sentences for criminals who act at the direction of foreign agents.
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“It is a direct assault on our national security when foreign adversaries recruit criminals to commit violence on American soil,”
— Sen. Maggie Hassan
“This bipartisan legislation will strengthen criminal penalties on gangs and criminals who engage in violent behavior on behalf of a foreign government. The Senate has sent a clear message that such behavior will be met with severe consequences, and I urge my colleagues in the House to quickly pass this bill to strengthen our national security.”
The bill specifically targets serious offenses such as:
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Murder-for-hire, including attempts on federal officials,
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Assaults on federal officials or their family members,
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Threats of violence against federal officials,
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Kidnapping, and
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Stalking carried out at the direction of a foreign government.
“If you commit crimes in America on behalf of foreign adversaries, you must face serious consequences,”
— Rep. Elissa Slotkin
The Senate passed the legislation as threats from Iran against the United States continue to rise. In November, the Department of Justice charged an Iranian American and two Jewish Americans in New York with plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump.
Authorities said the plot aimed to avenge Qasem Soleimani, the late commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020.
“America will not allow foreign adversaries, like Iran, to finance violent crimes on our soil,”
— Sen. Joni Ernst
“Peace through strength is back, and that includes right here at home. I look forward to the House swiftly passing this commonsense bill to create severe consequences for those who wish to harm our citizens.”
