America’s violent crime laws — including for homicides, bank robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping — would be strengthened under legislation recently introduced by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and almost two dozen of her Republican colleagues.
The Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act, S. 4628, also would clarify congressional intent regarding crimes of violence and their respective penalties, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“The lack of accountability for violent federal offenses is one reason many communities are seeing dramatic increases in criminal activity. This legislation would clarify and enhance penalties for violent crimes, which will help to protect our communities,” Sen. Fischer said on Aug. 10. “This is sensible legislation to restore public safety that should earn bipartisan support.”
Sen. Fischer on July 27 signed on as an original cosponsor of S. 4628, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and 23 other original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Tim Scott (R-SC).
“In order to combat violent crime and dangerous offenders there has to be efforts at the federal, state and local levels of government. I greatly appreciate Senator Fischer’s continued work to keep the public and law enforcement officers safe,” said Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer.
If enacted, S. 4628 would improve certain criminal provisions. For instance, regarding bank robbery and related crimes, the bill would amend the definition of “attempted bank robbery” to clarify that the statute punishes ordinary “attempt” offenses. Currently, some courts require actual, not just planned, violence or intimidation, according to a one-page summary of the bill.
In another example, the measure would clarify that assaults on federal officers and employees is a general intent crime. Most courts now read the assault on federal officers statute as a general-intent crime, but three circuit courts of appeal have issued opinions containing language implying that the statute is a specific-intent crime. This provision would correct that circuit court split, the summary says.
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has received the bill for consideration.