WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released a statement on the anniversary of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, and urged the Senate to pass his American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act (AVTCA), which would provide financial compensation to Americans injured in acts of international state-sponsored terrorism and their families:

“Twenty-four years ago today, our country forever changed when four planes were hijacked by an evil jihadist group in the most destructive act of terrorism in our nation’s history. This heinous act was a direct attack on our way of life, but more than two decades later, our country still stands as a beacon of hope.”

“Now more than ever, it is imperative that we remember and honor the American values and liberties that have long defined our country and allowed us to serve as a model of freedom for the entire world.”

“I urge the Senate to take up and pass my American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act to ensure 9/11 families and others affected by evil acts of terrorism receive just compensation for the unspeakable loss they’ve endured.”

Background:

The AVTCA would ensure there is a clear path to help compensate victims for the losses and harms they’ve suffered by:

• Providing a mechanism to ensure that the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism (USVSST) Act fund has a backstop for regular, consistent, and predictable distributions in the future;
• Establishing a sustainable mechanism to help new victims seek and receive judgments against state sponsors of terrorism;
• And ensuring that existing uses and pending claims for asset forfeiture are covered before any funds can be transferred to the USVSST fund. 

The legislation is endorsed by American victims of the October 7^th terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, IED attacks on U.S. military in Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq, the 2016 Bastille Day attack in Nice, France, the September 11^th terrorist attacks, the 2000 U.S.S. Cole attack, the 1998 East African Embassy bombings, the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing, the passengers of TWA Flight 847 hijacked in 1985 by Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists while on route to the United States, the 1983 and 1984 U.S. Embassy and Embassy Annex bombings in Beirut, the 1983 Beirut Marine Barracks bombing, the 1979 hostage taking of Americans at the diplomatic compound in Tehran, and the 1968 U.S.S. Pueblo attack.