Sponsors (6)
The bill expands and speeds access to lump-sum payments for previously excluded Beirut and Khobar victims by easing proof requirements and using reserves to pay promptly, but does so at the risk of diverting limited Fund resources and increasing administrative and potential taxpayer costs.
Beirut and Khobar victims who missed applying (especially those with chronic conditions) will be eligible for lump-sum catch-up payments, with the Special Master required to publish procedures within 30 days and flexible proof standards (written/verbal communications or a sworn statement) to speed and lower barriers to access.
The bill authorizes using the Fund's reserve fund first to make required payments, helping ensure payments are made promptly while aiming to preserve the Fund's base.
Paying lump-sum catch-up awards to newly eligible claimants may reduce funds available for other victims or future awards, potentially diminishing compensation for other claimants.
Expanding eligibility and processing catch-up claims will increase administrative workload and require additional Special Master resources, which could delay processing of other claims and raise administrative costs.
If Fund assets beyond reserves are used to cover these payments, taxpayers could indirectly face higher costs to replenish awards or cover liabilities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Allows eligible victims/survivors of the 1983 Beirut and 1996 Khobar Towers bombings who previously did not apply or were told they were ineligible to receive lump-sum catch-up payments, with expedited procedures.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Pete Sessions · Last progress August 1, 2025
Authorizes lump-sum "catch-up" payments from the victims' compensation Fund to certain survivors and victims of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing who previously did not apply for or were told they were ineligible for such payments because of Department of Justice guidance. It directs the Special Master to publish implementation procedures within 30 days and allows covered individuals to show they relied on prior DOJ guidance by written or verbal Fund communications, a sworn statement, or other methods the Special Master permits; payments may come from the Fund's reserve or the Fund itself if reserves are insufficient.