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
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
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.