Protect the Presidency Act
United States119th CongressHR-8685House of Representatives
Updated: May 7, 2026
Summary
This legislative proposal aims to strengthen penalties for assassination attempts against specific federal officials. It achieves this by amending section 1751(c) of title 18, United States Code, which currently outlines punishments for these crimes. The bill introduces the possibility of the death penalty as a sentencing option for individuals convicted of attempting to assassinate the President, Vice President, or other protected individuals. By inserting "death or" before "imprisonment" in the relevant statute, the measure expands the range of available penalties. This change would make capital punishment an alternative to or in conjunction with imprisonment for those found guilty of these serious offenses, thereby increasing the severity of potential consequences.
Bill texts
All available records shown.
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
House of Representatives
All available records shown.