Violent Insurrection Recidivist Enhancement Act of 2026

This bill would allow federal courts to add extra prison time for people convicted of violent insurrection who have a prior conviction for violent insurrection. It defines violent insurrection to include unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol, White House, or Supreme Court grounds and using or threatening violence, obstructing election-related proceedings, or damaging property there, as well as attempts and conspiracies. Added prison terms range from up to 4 years, to 5 years for crimes punishable by 10 or more years, to 10 years for crimes involving violence against federal officials, damage to federal property, or obstruction of federal proceedings. People with a pattern of anti-democratic conduct convicted of crimes such as treason or seditious conspiracy could get life in prison with a 15-year minimum. Prior convictions would count even if they were pardoned or set aside, unless the pardon was based on innocence or a major legal error.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Norma J. Torres Democrat sponsor
• 3 cosponsors