What does Preamble of Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to impose mandatory minimum sentences for specific offenses related to biological agents. The offenses include conspiracy to smuggle biological agents into the United States. The bill also addresses making false statements to federal agents in connection with such smuggling. The bill's stated purpose is 'to impose mandatory minimum sentences for conspiracy to smuggle biological agents into the United States and for making false statements to Federal agents in connection with such smuggling, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026.

What does MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES INVOLVING of Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Title 18 of the United States Code to establish mandatory minimum sentences for offenses involving biological agents. Specifically, it modifies Section 371 (Conspiracy) to mandate a minimum 20-year sentence for conspiracies involving the smuggling or attempted smuggling of biological agents or toxins. Section 1001 (False Statements) is amended to impose a minimum 5-year sentence for false statements related to the smuggling, importation, or authorization of biological agents or toxins. Section 545 (Smuggling) is amended to include a subsection (e) establishing a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence for smuggling or attempted smuggling of biological agents or toxins. The amendments clarify evidentiary standards and forfeiture provisions within Section 545.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the effective date for the amendments made by this Act. The amendments apply to offenses committed on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

Back to bills

Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/10/2026 · Introduced: 6/10/2026

Author: Tom Cotton (R-AR)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence for conspiring to smuggle biological agents or toxins into the United States.
Individuals making false statements to federal agents regarding the smuggling, importation, or authorization of biological agents or toxins face a minimum 5-year sentence.
Smuggling or attempting to smuggle biological agents or toxins now carries a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account