PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jan 27, 1993
Terrorist Death Penalty Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the imposition of the death penalty for any individual who kills a U.S. national while such national is outside the United States, if the killing is a first degree murder. Increases penalties for killings other than first degree murders. Sets forth procedures for the imposition of the death penalty, including provisions with respect to notice by the Government that it intends to seek the death penalty, the conduct of a special hearing to determine whether a sentence of death is justified, mitigating and aggravating factors to be considered, proof of such factors, the return of findings, and procedures for appeal and review of a sentence of death. Specifies that where a sentence of death is not imposed, the court may impose a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of release or furlough. Sets forth provisions with respect to the appointment of counsel for indigent defendants in Federal capital cases, including standards for the competence of counsel. Sets forth additional provisions regarding: (1) the appointment of counsel in State capital cases; (2) time limits for a collateral attack on a judgment imposing a sentence of death; and (3) stays of execution.
People & committees
Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] · R–PA
Legislative record
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Referred to Subcommittee on Constitution.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S848-849)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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