Fairness for Khobar Act of 2025

This bill makes sure certain victims of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing can get “catch-up” lump sum payments they missed out on. It tells the fund’s administrator (the Special Master) to pay people who didn’t apply before because Justice Department guidance made them think they couldn’t submit another application or weren’t eligible if they already got regular payments.

Within 30 days of the law taking effect, the administrator must publish simple steps for how to apply. Victims can show they relied on the earlier guidance with proof like notes or emails, or by signing a sworn statement. The payments will come from a reserve fund first, and from the main fund if needed.

Key points

• Who is affected: Victims of the 1983 Beirut barracks and 1996 Khobar Towers attacks who missed prior lump sum payments because of earlier guidance.
• What changes: The fund must now issue lump sum catch-up payments to these victims and accept simple proof of reliance on the old guidance, including a sworn statement.
• When: Application procedures must be published within 30 days after the law takes effect; payments draw from the reserve fund first, then the main fund if needed.