Findings and purpose

(a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The unauthorized use of incendiary devices and open flames during commission of Federal offenses poses a significant threat to public safety and Federal property. (2) The desecration or destruction of United States symbols, including flags, in connection with Federal crimes or attempts to intimidate public actors amplifies the danger of the underlying crime to the public and to property. (3) The burning of the flag of the United States in furtherance of committing a Federal crime reflects an intent to provoke civic unrest, intimidate officials, or signal violent disruption and is an aggravating factor in the commission of a criminal act. (b) Purpose The purpose of this Act is to enhance penalties for the use of incendiary devices, including burning the flag of the United States, in the commission of Federal offenses.