Panhandle Times

Congressman Nathaniel Moran, representing Texas's 1st District and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has introduced legislation aimed at protecting U.S. citizens from violence orchestrated by foreign powers. The bill, named the Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors (DETERRENCE) Act, seeks to increase criminal penalties for crimes committed under the direction or in coordination with foreign governments.

Joining Congressman Moran in this legislative effort are Congresswoman Ann Wagner from Missouri, who serves as Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Congressmen Brad Schneider of Illinois and Jared Moskowitz of Florida. This bipartisan initiative underscores a collective resolve to deter foreign adversaries from targeting Americans.

“Recent assassination attempts and threats against President Trump and other U.S. citizens by Iran underscore the urgent need for strong and practical deterrence against all foreign regimes who seek to harm Americans on our soil,” stated Congressman Moran. He emphasized that the DETERRENCE Act sends "a clear and resolute message: any attempt to harm Americans will be met with swift and decisive punishment.”

The Department of Justice recently charged three individuals in connection with an attempted murder-for-hire plot coordinated with Iran, targeting an American citizen. One individual was allegedly tasked by Iran with surveilling and plotting to assassinate former President Donald J. Trump. Additionally, a Pakistani national was indicted for involvement in another plot against President Trump.

The proposed legislation would allow for increased sentences for various crimes committed at the behest of foreign governments. For instance:

- Murder-for-hire could see a sentence increase by 10 years if death or injury results.

- Murder of federal officers could also result in a 10-year sentence enhancement.

- Kidnapping sentences might rise by 10 years.

- Stalking penalties could increase by up to 10 years depending on severity.

- Threats involving dangerous weapons against U.S. officials may see sentences increased by 10 years.

- Violent crimes against high-ranking officials like the president could face enhanced penalties.

Companion legislation has been put forward in the Senate by Senators Joni Ernst of Iowa and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire.