Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026 creates mandatory minimum prison sentences for crimes involving biological agents or toxins. It establishes a minimum 20-year sentence for conspiracy to smuggle or attempt to smuggle these agents into the United States. Additionally, it sets a minimum 20-year sentence for the actual smuggling or attempted smuggling of biological agents. The bill also mandates a minimum 5-year sentence for making false statements to the government regarding the smuggling, importation, or authorization of biological agents. These rules apply to offenses committed on or after the date the Act is enacted.
Yes
- Scored +6
Does this tighten control of the border?
Strengthens penalties for smuggling biological threats across the border.
- Scored +5
Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak?
Increases deterrence against the illegal introduction of dangerous biological agents into the country.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
Increases federal authority in sentencing for biosecurity crimes.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -7
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?
Implements strict mandatory minimum sentences, reducing judicial discretion in sentencing.
- Scored -4
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
Mandatory minimums limit a judge's ability to consider mitigating circumstances during sentencing.
- Scored -3
Does this leave more decisions to the states?
Shifts sentencing authority away from judicial discretion towards federal mandates.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Deterrence of biological threats: By imposing a minimum 20-year sentence for smuggling or conspiring to smuggle biological agents or toxins, the bill aims to stop dangerous materials from entering the country (Section 2(a)(3) and Section 2(c)(6)).
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Increased accountability for honesty: The bill creates a minimum 5-year sentence for lying to or concealing information from the government regarding biological agent authorizations and imports, which may encourage truthful reporting (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Severe sentencing mandates: The bill removes judicial flexibility by requiring a minimum of 20 years in prison for those convicted of smuggling or conspiring to smuggle biological agents, regardless of other provisions or laws (Section 2(a)(3) and Section 2(c)(6)).
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Strict penalties for false statements: Individuals face a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison if a false statement or document relates to biological agent permits or authorizations (Section 2(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — Increases deterrence against the illegal introduction of dangerous biological agents into the country.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — Increases federal authority in sentencing for biosecurity crimes. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Mandatory minimums limit a judge's ability to consider mitigating circumstances during sentencing. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — Shifts sentencing authority away from judicial discretion towards federal mandates.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — Increases criminal penalties for smuggling violations, which may disproportionately affect those navigating complex import laws.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — Strengthens penalties for smuggling biological threats across the border. Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — Implements strict mandatory minimum sentences, reducing judicial discretion in sentencing.
- 6/10/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in Senate