Robert Smith: “one of the important tasks we have in Congress is to ensure that our laws effectively deter violence and provide…”

“one of the important tasks we have in Congress is to ensure that our laws effectively deter violence and provide protection to those whose careers are dedicated to protecting our families and also our communities. With this in mind, today I rise to reintroduce the Federal Judiciary Protection Act with my esteemed colleague, Senator Leahy. This bill will provide greater protection to Federal law enforcement officials and their families. Under current law, a person who assaults, attempts to assault, or who threatens to kidnap or murder a member of the immediate family of a U.S. official, a U.S. judge, or a Federal law enforcement official, is subject to a punishment of a fine or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both. This legislation seeks to expand these penalties in instances of assault with a weapon and a prior criminal history. In such cases, an individual could face up to 20 years in prison. This legislation would also strengthen the penalties for individuals who communicate threats through the mail. Currently, individuals who knowingly use the U.S. Postal Service to deliver any communication containing any threat are subject to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to 5 years. Under this legislation, anyone who communicates a threat could face imprisonment of up to 10 years.”