Washington D.C. A bipartisan coalition of senators has unveiled the DETERRENCE Act, a legislative effort designed to impose stricter penalties on individuals involved in criminal plots targeting U.S. citizens within the United States, when those plots are backed by foreign governments.
The bill, introduced by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Jim Banks (R-IN), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), comes amid increasing concerns about foreign interference and the potential for hostile actors to target individuals on American soil.
"The DETERRENCE Act sends a strong message to foreign adversaries: targeting Americans will not be tolerated," said Senator Ernst in a statement. "We must ensure that those who seek to harm our citizens face swift and severe consequences."
Senator Slotkin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of protecting American sovereignty. "This bipartisan bill is a critical step in safeguarding our national security and protecting our citizens from foreign threats," she stated.
The DETERRENCE Act proposes several key changes to existing laws, including increased maximum penalties for offenses related to foreign-backed criminal activity, and enhanced investigative powers for law enforcement agencies. The legislation also aims to streamline the process of extraditing individuals involved in such plots from foreign countries.
The bill has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, with lawmakers praising its focus on national security and its potential to deter future attacks. The DETERRENCE Act is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to be debated in the coming weeks. Its backers are hopeful that it will pass with strong bipartisan support and become law, providing an essential layer of protection for American citizens.
Senators Unite to Combat Foreign-Backed Crimes in the US
A bipartisan group of senators has introduced the DETERRENCE Act, aiming to strengthen penalties for crimes orchestrated by foreign governments against U.S. citizens on American soil. The bill, championed by Senators Joni Ernst, Elissa Slotkin, Jim Banks, and Maggie Hassan, seeks to deter hostile foreign actors from targeting individuals within the United States. This legislation aims to send a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated and will be met with significant consequences. The DETERRENCE Act reflects a growing concern about foreign interference and the need to protect American citizens from external threats.