9/11 Families United Leaders Back Bipartisan Legislation Reforming USVSST

Washington, D.C. – Today, leaders representing 9/11 Families United joined Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) on Capitol Hill to support The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act, new bipartisan legislation that will ensure the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST Fund) can deliver on its promise and remain solvent for years to come.

The American Victims of Terror Compensation Act would provide for an immediate distribution in 2024 from the USVSST Fund and help ensure funding is available going forward. It requires an annual payout from the USVSST Fund to its participants going forward, an annual report to Congress on the Fund, a GAO report on the quality of administration and recommendations every three years, and an expansion of the USVSST Fund personnel from 5 to 10 people.

9/11 Families United was represented by National Chair Terry Strada, whose husband Tom was killed on the 104th floor of the North Tower, and Angela Mistrulli, whose father, Joseph Mistrulli, was killed on the 107th floor of the North Tower.

National Chair Terry Strada said:

“This legislation will ensure the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund can function as intended by making regular distributions to those impacted by international terrorism and updating how the program is administered. Too many have waited too long and received too little, and it doesn’t have to be this way. These reforms are urgently required, and we applaud the bipartisan leadership shown today by these Members of Congress in introducing this critical legislation. It is our hope that leaders in the Senate will soon act as well. 

“Standing alongside allies and friends today like Angela Mistrulli, whose father, Joseph Mistrulli, was killed on the 107th floor of the North Tower, and victims and family members that have been navigating the aftermath of attacks for decades reaffirms my belief that there are still some issues in Washington that all of us can rally behind. I deeply appreciate Angela’s determination in fighting for victims’ families like hers and mine, and we hope that Congress is quick to act on this legislation.”

About 9/11 Families United:

9/11 Families United is an organization consisting of family members of those murdered in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as many of those who survived, were injured in or sickened from the attacks, a community that numbers well over 10,000.  More information is at www.911familiesunited.org.

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