The purpose of the Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act is to strengthen laws related to various violent crimes, enhance protections for federal officers, and impose stricter penalties for offenses involving dangerous substances, particularly those targeting minors. The act aims to address rising concerns about crime and ensure that laws effectively deter and punish offenders. Key provisions of the act include several amendments to existing laws. For bank robbery, the act clarifies that conspiracy to commit such crimes will carry the same penalties as the crime itself.