H.R. 2394 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on the Judiciary, Mar 26, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryIncreases penalties for foreign-directed crimes
This bill would increase the prison sentences for federal crimes when a foreign government directs or coordinates them. The idea is that crimes coordinated with foreign powers pose a special threat and deserve harsher punishment.
How it affects you
If you're convicted of a federal crime, the sentence could be longer if the government proves a foreign government directed or coordinated the offense. For most people, this mainly affects how serious federal criminal cases involving foreign involvement are treated in court.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 26, 2025)
Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors Act or the DETERRENCE Act
This bill establishes sentencing enhancements for various federal criminal offenses if the offenses are directed by or coordinated with a foreign government.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2394
A BILL
DETERRENCE Act
Sponsor: Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO-2) · Introduced Mar 26, 2025 · Crime and Law Enforcement · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 26, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.”
Sections
Sections · 7
- Sec. 1Short titleNo change
- Sec. 2KidnappingNo change
- Sec. 3Use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hireNo change
- Sec. 4Influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening or injuring a family memberNo change
- Sec. 5StalkingNo change
- Sec. 6Protection of officers and employees of the United StatesNo change
- Sec. 7Presidential and Presidential staff assassination, kidnapping, and assaultNo change