Violent Insurrection Recidivist Enhancement Act of 2026

This bill aims to establish enhanced penalties for individuals convicted of violent insurrection who have a prior conviction for similar acts. It defines "violent insurrection" as unlawful entry into specific federal government buildings or grounds, combined with acts such as violence, obstruction of election-related proceedings, or property damage, all in response to actual or perceived election results. A "prior act of violent insurrection" refers to a previous conviction for such conduct, regardless of whether it was pardoned or set aside. To qualify for an enhanced sentence, a defendant must be convicted of a violent insurrection, have a prior violent insurrection conviction, and the current crime must occur after the bill's effective date. The bill outlines several levels of enhanced penalties, including a general enhancement of up to 4 additional years of imprisonment. More severe enhancements apply if the underlying federal crime is punishable by 10 years or more, adding 5 years, or if it involves violence against federal officials, damage to federal property, or obstruction of federal proceedings, adding 10 years. Critically, individuals convicted of specific severe federal crimes like treason or seditious conspiracy, who have engaged in a pattern of anti-democratic conduct , may face life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years.