Legislation offered on April 20 by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and 18 of her Republican colleagues would clarify and improve the nation’s violent crime laws regarding attacks on law enforcement, bank robbery, candy-flavored drugs, carjacking, and kidnapping, among other offenses.
“It’s long past time to increase accountability for violent federal offenses, especially as many communities experience dramatic spikes in criminal activity,” Sen. Fischer said. “This legislation would bolster public safety by clarifying and enhancing penalties for violent crimes.”
The Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act, S. 1223, is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and 18 original cosponsors, including Sen. Fischer and U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
If enacted, S. 1223 would resolve discrepancies brought on by conflicting court decisions and clarify the intent of Congress regarding violent crimes and their respective penalties, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
For instance, manufacturers and traffickers of candy-flavored drugs, including marijuana edibles, fentanyl, and other illicit drugs, are marketing and distributing these highly dangerous drugs as packaged candy. For years, there have been reports of children, even younger than 6 years old, overdosing on these drugs due to edible consumption, according to the bill summary.
To rectify this situation, S. 1223 includes language that would amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide enhanced penalties for marketing candy-flavored controlled substances to minors, the summary says.
Similarly, regarding carjackings that result in “serious bodily injury,” S. 1223 would increase the statutory maximum imprisonment term from 25 to 40 years. The related sexual assault crimes referenced in the bill would be punishable by up to life imprisonment, and drug offenses that result in unintended serious bodily injury or death would be punishable by imprisonment for not less than 20 years or more than life, states the summary.
“All of my colleagues should support this sensible legislation to hold violent criminals accountable,” said Sen. Fischer.