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119-s-2278119th Congress

Graham Hoffman Act

Sponsored By: Senator Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a new federal crime for knowingly assaulting first responders when the attack is tied to interstate activity, commerce, or federal status. It would add a distinct offense with specific jurisdiction hooks and expand who counts as a protected first responder to include certain paramedic ALS intercept personnel that meet federal rules.

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  • First responders: Would protect firefighters, law enforcement, rescue or ambulance crew members, and qualifying paramedic ALS intercept personnel from assaults that cross state lines or involve interstate commerce.
  • People who attack first responders: Could face up to 10 years in prison and fines for the basic offense, or any term of years up to life and fines if the attack causes death or involves kidnapping or an attempt to kill.
  • Federal and state prosecutors: Federal prosecution would require a written certification from the Attorney General or a designee that one of four conditions is met, such as a State requesting federal jurisdiction or the State lacking jurisdiction.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Federal crime for assaulting responders

If enacted, this bill would create a federal crime for knowingly assaulting a first responder on duty that causes serious bodily injury. The base penalty would be up to 10 years in prison, fines, or both. If the attack causes death, involves kidnapping or an attempted kidnapping, or includes an attempt to kill, penalties could be any term of years or life, and fines. Federal jurisdiction would apply only when one of five triggers is met, such as interstate travel or use of interstate commerce, use of a weapon that crossed state lines, interference with interstate commerce, or when the victim is a Federal first responder. "First responder" would include firefighters, law enforcement, rescue or ambulance crew members, and certain paramedics who meet federal regulatory standards.

Attorney General certification for prosecutions

If enacted, federal prosecutors could not bring the new charge unless the Attorney General or a designee provides a written certification. The certification must confirm one of four grounds: the State lacks jurisdiction; the State asked the Federal Government to assume jurisdiction; a State verdict or sentence left the federal interest demonstrably unvindicated; or a U.S. prosecution is needed to secure substantial justice. The rule would not stop federal officers or a federal grand jury from investigating possible violations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]

MO • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO]

    MO • R

    Sponsored 7/15/2025

  • Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]

    NH • D

    Sponsored 7/15/2025

  • Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 7/15/2025

  • Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 7/15/2025

  • Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 7/15/2025

  • Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 7/15/2025

  • Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 7/15/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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