Social Security Legislative Bulletin

No: 108-21
Date: June 30, 2004

House Judiciary Committee Approves H.R. 2934, the Terrorist Penalties Enhancement Act of 2003

On June 23, 2004, the House Judiciary Committee approved H.R. 2934, the Terrorist Penalties Enhancement Act of 2003, by voice vote.

Following are descriptions of provisions of interest to SSA in the bill:

Penalties for Terrorist Murders

Would amend Chapter 113B of Title 18, United States Code, by

• Establishing penalty of death or imprisonment for any term or years, or for life, for a person who, in the course of committing a terrorist offense, engages in conduct that results in the death of a person
• Defining the term 'terrorist offense' as used in this section

Denial of Federal Benefits to Terrorists

Would amend Chapter 113B of Title 18, United States Code, by

• Making ineligible for any or all Federal benefits for any term of years or for life any individual who is convicted of a Federal crime of terrorism as defined in section 421(d) of the Controlled Substances Act.

NOTE: Section 421(d) of the Controlled Substances Act specifically excludes Social Security Benefits from the definition of Federal Benefits.