Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 11, 2004
Stop Terrorist and Military Hoaxes Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for knowingly engaging in conduct with intent to convey false or misleading information about an activity that would constitute a violation of various prohibitions under the Federal criminal code, the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or other specified law relating to terrorism, including prohibitions regarding biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons, destruction of gas pipeline facilities, aircraft, or vessels, and aircraft piracy. Makes individuals engaging in such conduct liable in a civil action to any party incurring expenses incident to any emergency or investigative response.
Establishes criminal penalties for making a false statement, without lawful authority, with intent to convey false or misleading information about the death, injury, capture, or disappearance of a member of the U.S. armed forces during a war or armed conflict in which the United States is engaged.
Provides for enhanced penalties for obstruction of justice and false statements offenses that relate to international or domestic terrorism. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to provide for an increased offense level for any such offenses that involve a matter relating to international or domestic terrorism.
Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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