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H.R. 8685House119th Congress (2025-2027)In Committee

Protect the Presidency Act

Sponsored by Lance GoodenRep. Lance Gooden (R-TX)
Introduced May 7, 2026

AI-Generated Summary

Updated May 9, 2026 at 6:01 AM UTC

The Protect the Presidency Act would change federal law so that a person who attempts to assassinate certain high‑level officials could be sentenced to death, in addition to the current imprisonment penalty. It amends the criminal code to add the death penalty as an option for these attempted killings.

Key Provisions

  • Amends 18 U.S.C. §1751(c) by inserting the words “death or” before “imprisonment,” making the death penalty an allowable punishment for an attempt to assassinate the specified individuals.

Legislative Activity

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HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

May 7, 2026

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

May 7, 2026

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

May 7, 2026

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued May 7, 2026

I

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 8685

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 7, 2026

Mr. Gooden (for himself and Mr. Steube) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To amend section 1751 of title 18, United States Code, to include the death penalty as punishment for an attempt to assassinate certain individuals.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Protect the Presidency Act.

2.

Punishment for assassination of certain individuals

Section 1751(c) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting death or before imprisonment.