Bill Sets Rules for Terrorism Victims' Payments

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced the American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act, a bipartisan bill to overhaul funding for victims of state-sponsored terrorism. The legislation amends the 2015 Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to ensure consistent payments from the USVSST Fund, which has distributed far less than court-ordered judgments against nations like Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Cuba.[1][2][3] It was read twice in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.[8]

The bill addresses longstanding issues with the fund, created to help victims recover when terrorist states refuse to pay court judgments. Since 2015, it has made only minimal distributions—less than half a percent of total awards—leaving tens of thousands of Americans, including 9/11 families and first responders, without full compensation.[2][3] Key provisions include an immediate 2025 payout, sustainable funding mechanisms for future victims, and protections for existing asset forfeiture claims before transfers to the fund. A companion House bill, HB1530, led by Rep. Mike Lawler and others, was referred to the House Judiciary Committee.[6]

For Milwaukee residents, this matters as it bolsters national security and support for everyday Americans harmed abroad or in attacks like 9/11, whose impacts ripple through families and communities here. Wisconsinites with ties to military service or travel face similar terrorism risks, and reliable victim funds signal stronger federal commitment to safety and justice.[2][3]

The bill now awaits Judiciary Committee action, with potential for markup and floor votes in the coming months to deliver long-overdue relief.[1][6]