Pic below: DNC map from 2004 elections.

Update to this story.

(The Hill)– The ranking Democrat on the House Administration Committee has introduced a bill that would make it a federal crime to threaten members of Congress with violence.

Rep. Robert Brady’s (D-Pa.) legislation would amend the U.S. Code, which already protects the president and vice president, to make threatening federal lawmakers and congressmen-elect with violence punishable by up to five years in prison.

The measure comes in the wake of a shooting two weeks ago that left Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and 12 others injured while killing six people, including a congressional aide and a federal judge. Brady said that his bill is a testament to Giffords and her call last year to temper an increasingly vitriolic tone in political debate.

“Congresswoman Gabby Giffords called upon us to take a stand to recognize that words have meanings and symbols have consequences,” said Brady in a statement. “The legislation I have introduced honors Gabby’s words in an effort to protect members of Congress while also protecting our First Amendment rights.