The Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act would impose tough, unavoidable mandatory minimum sentences on individuals who illegally import biological agents. The Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act would: Impose a 20-year mandatory minimum for the smuggling (or attempted smuggling) of any biological agent or toxin ... Impose a 20-year mandatory minimum for conspiracy to smuggle such agents. Impose a 5-year mandatory minimum for making false statements to federal agents in connection with the smuggling, importation, declaration, or permitting of biological agents.
Impose mandatory minimum prison sentences for the smuggling or attempted smuggling of biological agents or toxins, including a 20-year minimum for conspiracy to smuggle them and a 5-year minimum for false statements tied to such smuggling.
Occurrences
Evidence
AP reported that two scientists were charged with smuggling deactivated mpox virus into the United States and lying to federal authorities; the article says they face up to five years in prison if convicted.
Assessments
As of June 21, 2026, this promise has not been fulfilled. Cotton’s official Senate press-release listings show that on June 10, 2026 he introduced the Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act to impose mandatory minimum penalties for illegal importation of biological agents, which is a serious and directly relevant legislative attempt. But I found no evidence that the bill had passed Congress or become law by that date. Recent enforcement reporting also still describes prosecutors relying on existing smuggling and false-statement statutes rather than new mandatory-minimum penalties. Because Cotton is still in federal office and has now made a concrete attempt closely matching the promise, the best judgment is unresolved rather than delivered, partial, or never.