Fairness for Khobar Act of 2025
Summary
The Fairness for Khobar Act of 2025 (H.R. 4863) aims to amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act. It specifically addresses the need for lump sum catch-up payments to victims of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing.
The bill targets those victims who did not initially apply for these payments due to previous Department of Justice guidance. This guidance incorrectly stated that only one application could be submitted per claim.
The Act directs the Special Master to authorize these payments, establish procedures for application, and utilize reserve funds or the main fund if reserves are insufficient.
Expected Effects
This act will likely result in the distribution of funds to victims of the Beirut and Khobar bombings who were previously discouraged from applying. It will require the Special Master to create and implement new procedures for processing these claims.
The Department of Justice will need to update its guidance to reflect the changes brought about by this act. This ensures that future applicants are not misinformed.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial relief to victims of state-sponsored terrorism who were previously excluded.
- Corrects a past injustice caused by misleading Department of Justice guidance.
- Ensures that victims receive the compensation they are entitled to under the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act.
- Offers a streamlined process for victims to demonstrate their reliance on incorrect guidance.
- Utilizes existing funds to provide these catch-up payments, minimizing the need for additional appropriations.
Potential Disadvantages
- May deplete the reserve fund established under the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act.
- Could potentially lead to future claims against the fund if other groups feel similarly disadvantaged by past guidance.
- Requires administrative effort from the Special Master to establish and implement new procedures.
- The process of demonstrating reliance on past guidance may be burdensome for some victims.
- The availability of funds may be limited if the reserve fund is insufficient.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional principle of providing for the general welfare, as it seeks to compensate victims of terrorism. It also relates to the concept of justice, as it attempts to rectify a situation where some victims were unfairly excluded from receiving compensation.
While the Constitution does not explicitly address compensation for victims of terrorism, the government's role in providing for the common defense and ensuring domestic tranquility (Preamble) can be interpreted to include supporting those harmed by acts of terror. The Fifth Amendment's due process clause could also be relevant, ensuring fair treatment under the law for all eligible victims.
There are no apparent constitutional conflicts arising from this bill.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).