Reps. Gillen and Malliotakis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Secure Justice for 9/11 Families and Victims of Iranian State-Sponsored Terrorism

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) alongside Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) introduced the bipartisan Never Forget the Victims of Terrorism: Joseph D. Mistrulli and Alan Kleinberg USVSST Fund Solvency Act to deliver justice for victims of Iranian-backed terrorism, including families of 9/11 victims. The legislation would provide temporary targeted financing for the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism (USVSST) Fund from the billions of dollars of compensation Iran and other state sponsors of terrorism owe to American victims. More than 20,000 Americans currently hold unpaid judgments from perpetrators of state-sponsored terrorism through the Fund, including Iran.

Reps. Gillen and Malliotakis recently led a bipartisan letter with Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) to President Trump urging the administration to secure overdue compensation for the victims as part of any negotiation or peace agreement with Iran. They are committed to standing with American victims of terrorism and ensuring they receive the compensation they are owed.

"American victims of Iran's state-sponsored terrorism have waited far too long for the justice and restitution they are legally owed," said Rep. Gillen. "The lives of more than 20,000 victims, including families impacted by 9/11, have been forever changed by heinous acts of terror, which is why Congress established the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. This bipartisan legislation ensures that our promises to victims are backed by real action, delivering the long-overdue compensation they deserve while holding Iran accountable for decades of horrific violence against Americans."

"As New Yorkers, we understand what so many families impacted by state-sponsored terrorism have gone through, particularly as we approach the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks," said Rep. Malliotakis. "This bipartisan proposal will strengthen the Fund's solvency and help victims receive what they are owed."

"We honor Joseph D. Mistrulli and Alan Kleinberg, and every American whose life was stolen by terrorism," said Angela Mistrulli, Founder, American Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism United. "Their families deserve justice without delay, and the 'Never Forget the Victims of Terrorism: Joseph D. Mistrulli and Alan Kleinberg USVSST Fund Solvency Act' ensures that promise is kept. My family is deeply appreciative of our own Congresswoman Gillen, and of longtime champion and friend Congresswoman Malliotakis, for their unwavering commitment to all American victims of state-sponsored terrorism. Their leadership continues to give families like ours strength, hope, and a path toward long-overdue justice. Today, we call upon Congress to bring this bill to the floor immediately for a vote, because justice cannot wait"

The bipartisan Never Forget the Victims of Terrorism: Joseph D. Mistrulli and Alan Kleinberg USVSST Fund Solvency Act would strengthen the fund, which has not kept pace with eligible claims, providing temporary financing and mandatory repayment from future enforcement proceedings. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found long-term revenue insufficiency in existing statutory sources, providing the need for this legislation.

Established in 2015, the USVSST Fund is a federal program administered by the Department of Justice to provide financial compensation to American victims and families harmed by international terrorism. As Iran refuses to honor billions of dollars in outstanding American judicial judgments, the Fund relies on assets seized from federal enforcement actions and state sponsors to ensure victims receive a measure of justice. 9/11 victims and their family members receive a dedicated 50 percent allocation of all money available for distributions from the USVSST Fund.

The full bill text can be found here.

###