Today the House passed the landmark Justice against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (S. 2040), also known as JASTA, a bill overturning the legal obstacles that have stood between the families of 9/11 victims and the justice they rightly seek from foreign governments and individuals suspected of financing the attacks. The bill, which has unanimously passed both Chambers of Congress, will now be sent to the President’s desk.
“Time has not diminished the suffering of those who lost loved ones on that day, nor has it brought closure or justice,” said Smith, who has cosponsored JASTA since it was first introduced in the 112th Congress. “This accountability has been long sought, but the families have been thwarted time and again by the immunities our country confers on foreign states and foreign officials.”
ABOVE (Video): Rep. Smith’s remarks during the JASTA debate
As it stands today, the law requires plaintiffs to prove that foreign officials directly contributed to a terrorist act in order to claim civil liability. This bill will open foreign officials to accountability for aiding and abetting terrorists among other secondary liabilities, common sense measures that both serve the cause of justice for 9/11 victims and at the same time function as a deterrent.
Despite the universal support for the legislation, news reports indicate President Obama may veto the legislation. “I remain hopeful the President will sign this legislation immediately—and put foreign governments on notice that they are not immune from actions that take the lives of our citizens and threaten our national security,” said Smith.
During today’s floor debate Smith also took time to acknowledge and thank the 9/11 survivors: “the family members who fought for this, and other important 9/11 legislation so that no other Americans suffer what they have endured—and so that justice be done.”
The victims’ family members in the House Gallery today who worked for the passage of the bill included: Kathy Wisniewski, Mindy Kleinberg, Lorie Van Auken, Monica Gabrielle and Carol Ashley. Smith also thanked others who have worked over the years on 9/11 legislation including Sheila Martello, Kristen Breitweiser, Patty Casazza, and Mary and Frank Fetchet who were there in spirit.
Smith’s support for JASTA is one of the many actions he has taken as a consistent and effective supporter of programs and benefits for those who survived 9/11 as well as the thousands of family members who lost a loved one in the attack. He helped lead on several legislative initiatives including a timely tax relief package, the creation of the Victim Compensation Fund, the creation of the 9/11 Commission, legislation to implement the recommendations of the commission and the Zadroga Act, which extended much-needed health care coverage for the brave men and women who participated in the rescue, recovery and clean-up of Ground Zero. Smith was the lead Republican in the effort to establish the independent investigation known as the 9/11 Commission and he chaired several hearings himself investigating what can and should be done to make America safer.
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