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Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4729| Senate 
| Updated: 6/10/2026
Tom Cotton

Tom Cotton

Republican Senator

Arkansas

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislative proposal aims to strengthen penalties for offenses involving the illicit movement of biological agents and toxins into the United States. It introduces significant mandatory minimum sentences to deter activities that pose a biosecurity risk to the nation. Specifically, the bill amends federal law to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 20 years imprisonment for individuals convicted of conspiracy to smuggle, or actually smuggling, biological agents or toxins into the U.S. Furthermore, it establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 5 years for making false statements, concealing information, or submitting false documents related to the smuggling, importation, or authorization of such agents. These provisions apply to offenses committed on or after the bill's enactment date, aiming to enhance national security by severely penalizing these dangerous acts.
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Timeline
Jun 10, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 10, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • June 10, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 10, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4729| Senate 
| Updated: 6/10/2026
This legislative proposal aims to strengthen penalties for offenses involving the illicit movement of biological agents and toxins into the United States. It introduces significant mandatory minimum sentences to deter activities that pose a biosecurity risk to the nation. Specifically, the bill amends federal law to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 20 years imprisonment for individuals convicted of conspiracy to smuggle, or actually smuggling, biological agents or toxins into the U.S. Furthermore, it establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 5 years for making false statements, concealing information, or submitting false documents related to the smuggling, importation, or authorization of such agents. These provisions apply to offenses committed on or after the bill's enactment date, aiming to enhance national security by severely penalizing these dangerous acts.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jun 10, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 10, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • June 10, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 10, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Tom Cotton

Tom Cotton

Republican Senator

Arkansas

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted