; and (2) by striking $25,000 and inserting $35,000 . (b) Interference with certain transportation personnel (1) In general Chapter 805 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 80505. Interference with certain transportation personnel (a) General rule An individual who physically or sexually assaults or threatens to physically or sexually assault an employee engaged in the transportation of passengers on behalf of a covered entity, or takes any action that poses an imminent threat to the safety of a vehicle of a covered entity that is transporting passengers, including rolling stock, motorcoaches, and ferries, is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $35,000. (b) Compromise and setoff (1) Compromise The Secretary of Transportation may compromise the amount of a civil penalty imposed under this section. (2) Setoff The United States Government may deduct the amount of a civil penalty imposed or compromised under this section from amounts the Government owes the person liable for the penalty. (c) Covered entity defined In this section, the term covered entity means an entity that is one of the following: (1) A recipient of Federal funds under chapter 53 of this title. (2) A motor carrier of passengers that— (A) conducts regularly scheduled intercity service