Texas congressman introduces bill to combat foreign threats to US citizens

TYLER, Texas (KETK) — U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, who serves much of Northeast Texas. Deterrence Law, A bill that could protect Americans from violence by foreign powers.

“Iran’s recent assassination attempts and threats against President Trump and other U.S. citizens underscore the urgent need for strong and practical deterrence against any foreign regimes seeking to harm Americans on our soil,” Moran said.

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US Department of Justice Iran’s alleged plot to kill President-elect Donald Trump revealed earlier this month. In those documents, Farhad Shakeri allegedly told FBI agents that he was tasked by Iranian officials to assassinate Trump in September and is now charged with murder-for-hire.

As foreign adversaries such as Iran become brazen, Moran said the United States must send a clear message that “any attempt to harm Americans will be punished swiftly and decisively.”

The DETERRENCE Act, also known as the Deterring Foreign Threats and Robust Response to Heinous and Hateful Criminal Acts Act, would allow increased criminal penalties for individuals who commit crimes at the direction of or in coordination with a foreign government.

Moran’s legislation, which was met with bipartisan bicameral support, would protect Americans by allowing increased penalties for those who commit crimes at the behest of a foreign government.

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• murder for hire Penalties for death or injury may increase by 10 years, and for attempted murder for hire, by 5 years.

• Sentences for killing employees, including federal officers and military personnel, could increase by 10 years.

• Sentences for kidnapping may increase by 10 years, and for attempted kidnapping by 5 years.

• Stalking penalties can be increased by 2.5 years or 5 years in case of injury or use of a deadly weapon, and by 10 years if it results in death.

• If threats of violence are made against current and former U.S. officials and their families, sentences can be increased by 10 years because a dangerous weapon was used during the threat.

• Sentences for violent crimes against current and former U.S. officials and their families can increase by 10 years for murder, assault with injury, or use of a dangerous weapon; Penalties for assault without injury can be increased to 5 years.

• Sentences for violent crimes committed against the president, vice president, president-elect or vice president-elect could be increased by 10 years.

Moran was joined by Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and companion legislation was introduced to the Senate by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH). .

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