Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) There is a compelling governmental interest in protecting democratic institutions, governmental functions, and public safety. (2) Attacks have occurred against the constitutional order that undermine democratic institutions, seek to stop governmental functions, and endanger public safety. (3) One such violent attack, the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol, constituted an unprecedented assault on democratic institutions. (4) Recidivist enhancements for those guilty of actual or attempted insurrection, and associated conduct, are necessary to reflect the seriousness of the offense, deter future attacks on constitutional governance, and incapacitate the defendants from committing future such acts.