RELEASE: In memory of 9/11, Gottheimer, Lawler, Malliotakis, Molinaro and Moskowtiz fight for bipartisan bill to support victims of state-sponsored terrorism

Above: Gottheimer with bipartisan members of Congress and victims of state-sponsored terrorism.

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) stood with victims of state-sponsored terror, including family members of 9/11 victims, in their fight for the bipartisan American Victims of Terror Compensation Act, which funds the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST Fund). The USVSST Fund was established in 2015 to help victims of terrorist attacks challenge judgments from U.S. courts against state sponsors of terror, including Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Syria.

Video of the announcement can be found Here.

Since taking office in Congress, Gottheimer has worked around the clock and across party lines to provide real, lasting relief to 9/11 victims, first responders, and their families. In 2019, he championed passage of the bipartisan Never Forget the Heroes Act, which established a compensation fund for victims.

The American Victims of Terror Compensation Act is widely supported by 9/11 victim advocacy groups, including 9/11 Children for Justice, 9/11 Justice, 9/11 Families United, and the Family Steering Committee of the 9/11 Commission.

“Today, we pray for the innocent souls who lost their lives on 9/11, for their families, and for our country. We condemn the evil of terrorism – ISIS, al-Qaeda, lone-wolf terror, and more. And we reaffirm our commitment to passing this bill – and bringing justice to the victims and their families.” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “More than twenty years later, we have a solemn duty: first, to confront terrorism at home and abroad, and second, to stand with the victims of state-sponsored terrorist attacks like 9/11 and their families.”

“The American Victims of Terror Compensation Act will ensure that the families of terror victims, including our brave 9/11 families, receive the critical support they need and deserve,” said Congresswoman Lawler (NY-17). “We cannot simply allow this fund to dry up for these families. That is why I have joined with members of both parties to introduce this bill, and it is critical that we get it across the finish line as quickly as possible. Today, I joined with Republican and Democratic colleagues, as well as Americans who lost loved ones on 9/11, to reaffirm our call to pass this bill as soon as possible.”

“On September 11, I was a student in Washington, DC, and from my window I saw smoke rising from the Pentagon. For two decades since that terrible day, the families of the victims of September 11 have pleaded with Congress to do what is obviously the right thing. I want to thank my colleagues from New Jersey and New York for leading this effort and reminding us of our obligation to compensate American victims of state-sponsored terrorism.” said Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23).

The full text of the American Victims of Terror Compensation Act can be found Here.

Gottheimer was joined by Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), as well as family members of victims of state-sponsored terrorist attacks.

Below: Gottheimer with bipartisan members of Congress and victims of state-sponsored terrorism.

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