Enhances penalties for certain crimes targeting veterans.
Ms. Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Mr. Budd (R-NC)
Introduced in Senate, in committee review.
This bill expands existing federal law (Title 18, Section 2326) so that enhanced penalties for crimes like fraud, which currently apply to offenses against the elderly or children, will now also apply to crimes committed against veterans of any age. Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Senator Budd (R-NC) introduced this bipartisan bill, which is currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced Apr 30, 2026
The bill was introduced in the Senate on April 30, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary for review. For it to become law, it must pass out of this committee, be approved by the full Senate, pass the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill becomes law, federal courts could impose harsher penalties on individuals convicted of certain crimes, such as fraud, when those crimes are specifically aimed at veterans. This change would mean that veterans, regardless of age, would receive the same level of protection under these enhanced penalty laws as the elderly and children currently do. The goal is to deter criminals and provide greater legal recourse for veterans who are victims of targeted offenses.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue this bill offers essential protection for veterans by increasing consequences for those who exploit them.
Critics Say
Critics might suggest existing laws are sufficient or question the need for special categories for enhanced penalties.
There is generally broad bipartisan support for measures that protect veterans. Supporters would likely emphasize that veterans, due to their service and sometimes their financial situations, can be targets for scams and that enhanced penalties are a just response. Any potential criticism would likely center on legal technicalities rather than the intent to protect veterans, such as concerns about the proliferation of specific protected classes within criminal statutes.