US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB2776

Introduced
9/11/25  

Caption

A bill to amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to provide rules for payments to Havlish Settling Judgment Creditors.

Impact

The bill proposes to modify existing legal frameworks by explicitly allowing all funds that have been withheld from distribution under previous provisions to be released to the Havlish Settling Judgment Creditors. This change will directly influence the financial rights of those who have sustained losses due to terrorist acts and hold eligible claims. Additionally, it underlines the government's obligation to provide timely compensation to victims and their families, which has significant implications for state regulations governing payouts in similar cases.

Summary

SB2776 aims to amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to establish new rules regarding payments to specific plaintiffs known as Havlish Settling Judgment Creditors. This amendment seeks to clarify and facilitate the distribution of withheld funds that had previously been allocated to these creditors as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. By ensuring that these creditors can efficiently receive their payments, the bill addresses long-standing issues related to compensation for victims affected by state-sponsored terrorism.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward in its intentions, discussions may arise regarding the equitable treatment of other judgment creditors who may not fall under the Havlish designation. There could be concerns around the preferential treatment of specific claims and the potential consequences for equitable compensation among all victims of terrorism. Critics may also question the long-term effectiveness of the amendments in ensuring comprehensive justice for all victims impacted by state-sponsored terrorism, raising issues of fairness and proportionality in compensation practices.

Companion Bills

US HB6261

Related Fairness for 9/11 Families Technical Fix Act

Previously Filed As

US SB706

American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act

US HB1530

American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act

US HB458

Protecting our Land Act This bill requires the President to direct federal agencies to promulgate rules and regulations to prohibit foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism from purchasing real estate located in the United States.

US HB6261

Fairness for 9/11 Families Technical Fix Act

US HB6527

Justice for the Living Victims of Lockerbie Act

US HJR174

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for term limits for justices of the Supreme Court.

US HJR1

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

US HJR28

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

US SJR502

Applying to the United States Congress under Article V of the United States Constitution to call for a convention proposing an amendment to the constitution fixing the number of justices of the United States Supreme Court at one chief justice and eight associate justices.

US SB2978

Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.