Protect the Presidency Act
To amend section 1751 of title 18, United States Code, to include the death penalty as punishment for an attempt to assassinate certain individuals.
The Protect the Presidency Act, or HB8685, proposes to change federal law by adding the death penalty as a potential punishment for anyone who attempts to assassinate certain individuals, including the President, Vice President, and other high-ranking officials. This bill aims to strengthen the protection of these key figures by making the consequences of such attempts more severe.
If passed, this law would affect individuals who might attempt to harm the President, Vice President, or other specified officials. The change in punishment from what is currently allowed under federal law could deter potential threats against these key figures.
As of May 7, 2026, the bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, awaiting further review and potential changes before it can be voted on by the full House.
