H.R. 10256: Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors Act
Introduction:
On December 7, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced H.R. 10256, a comprehensive legislative package aimed at strengthening national security and combatting international crime. The bill, also known as the DETERRENCE Act, seeks to bolster the nation’s defenses against external threats and enhance its ability to respond to egregious and nefarious criminal activities.
Key Provisions:
1. Enhancing International Cooperation:
- Directs the President to strengthen diplomatic efforts and collaboration with foreign governments and international organizations to combat transnational crime.
- Authorizes increased funding for law enforcement training and equipment in partner countries.
2. Bolstering Cybersecurity Defenses:
- Establishes a national cybersecurity task force to coordinate efforts between federal agencies, the private sector, and academia.
- Increases funding for research and development of advanced cybersecurity technologies.
3. Combating Terrorism and Foreign Interference:
- Strengthens laws against foreign terrorist organizations and their financial support networks.
- Enhances screening and monitoring mechanisms to detect and prevent foreign interference in U.S. elections.
4. Expanding Sanctions Authorities:
- Grants the President expanded authority to impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in malicious cyber activities, election interference, or human rights abuses.
- Creates a new statutory framework for targeted financial sanctions against foreign adversaries.
5. Countering Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors:
- Defines “egregious and nefarious criminal endeavors” as serious crimes that have a significant impact on national security or the well-being of U.S. citizens.
- Authorizes enhanced penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences, for individuals convicted of such crimes.
6. Supporting Victims of Crime:
- Creates a victims assistance program dedicated to providing support and compensation to victims of egregious and nefarious criminal offenses.
- Enhances legal protections for victims and witnesses cooperating with law enforcement.
7. Intelligence and Information Sharing:
- Streamlines the sharing of intelligence and information among law enforcement agencies, the intelligence community, and the private sector.
- Establishes new mechanisms for public-private partnerships in intelligence gathering and analysis.
8. Oversight and Accountability:
- Creates a congressional oversight committee to monitor the implementation of the DETERRENCE Act and ensure its effectiveness.
- Requires the Administration to submit regular reports to Congress on progress made in combating external threats and egregious criminal endeavors.
Implications:
The DETERRENCE Act has significant implications for national security and law enforcement in the United States. It signals a renewed commitment to confronting external threats, particularly from cyberattacks and foreign interference. The bill also strengthens the nation’s ability to respond to domestic criminal activities that pose a significant danger to the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens.
The bill’s passage will require bipartisan support and could face opposition from those concerned about the potential for increased government surveillance and infringement on civil liberties. However, advocates argue that the DETERRENCE Act is necessary to protect the nation from evolving threats and to ensure that those responsible for egregious and nefarious crimes are held accountable.
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