Violent Insurrection Recidivist Enhancement Act of 2026

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 6953 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6953 To provide for an enhanced penalty for an act of violent insurrection. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 6, 2026 Mrs. Torres of California (for herself, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mrs. Fletcher, and Ms. Friedman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To provide for an enhanced penalty for an act of violent insurrection. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Violent Insurrection Recidivist Enhancement Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) There is a compelling governmental interest in protecting democratic institutions, governmental functions, and public safety. (2) Attacks have occurred against the constitutional order that undermine democratic institutions, seek to stop governmental functions, and endanger public safety. (3) One such violent attack, the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol, constituted an unprecedented assault on democratic institutions. (4) Recidivist enhancements for those guilty of actual or attempted insurrection, and associated conduct, are necessary to reflect the seriousness of the offense, deter future attacks on constitutional governance, and incapacitate the defendants from committing future such acts. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) Violent insurrection.--The term ``Violent Insurrection'' means any person who-- (A) unlawfully entered the United States Capitol, White House, or Supreme Court building or grounds in violation of sections 1361 and 1752 of title 18, United States Code, or section 5104