119-HR-8685 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 8685 Protect the Presidency Act
H.R. 8685 ("Protect the Presidency Act") would add the death penalty as a possible federal punishment for attempting to assassinate individuals protected under 18 U.S.C. §1751; introduced May 7, 2026 by Reps. Lance Gooden and W. Steube and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
Headline Summary
A House bill would allow the federal death penalty for attempting to assassinate the President, Vice President, and other individuals protected under federal law.
What It Does
The Protect the Presidency Act (H.R. 8685) is a one‑page proposal to amend 18 U.S.C. §1751 by adding “death” to the list of possible penalties for an attempt to assassinate certain protected individuals. In plain terms, it would let federal prosecutors seek capital punishment in such attempt cases. Why it matters: it expands when the death penalty could be used under federal law, raising major questions about deterrence, morality, and constitutionality.
Who’s For It
- Sponsors: Rep. Lance Gooden (R‑TX) and Rep. W. Steube (R‑FL).
- Supporters argue it would deter would‑be attackers and reflect the gravity of targeting the nation’s top leaders.
Who’s Against It
- Opponents of capital punishment generally resist expanding the death penalty on moral, religious, cost, and fairness grounds.
- Legal critics may contend that applying the death penalty to an attempt (where no death occurs) could face constitutional challenges.
- Civil‑liberties groups may worry about arbitrary application or wrongful convictions.
What’s Next
As of May 7, 2026, the bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Next steps would typically include a committee hearing and vote, a vote of the full House, consideration in the Senate, and then the President’s signature (or veto) before it could become law.
Discussion