Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act

The Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act is a package of federal criminal-law changes intended to stiffen penalties, expand when certain acts can be charged federally, and clarify mens rea (the mental state) standards in prosecutions. Key elements include tougher penalties for bank robbery and related conspiracies, broader and clearer liability for assaults on federal officers, higher penalties for carjacking (including when a dangerous weapon is used), expanded penalties for firearms offenses tied to conspiracy or attempt, a new offense targeting candy-flavored controlled substances distributed to minors (with mandatory sentencing-guideline enhancements), and expanded kidnapping provisions that cover interstate or federal jurisdictions and impose severe penalties, including life or death in certain circumstances. Overall, the bill aims to increase penalties, widen federal reach for violent-crime prosecutions, and deter crimes involving banks, officers, vehicles, drugs marketed to youth, firearms, and kidnapping.