Justice for the Living Victims of Lockerbie Act
Summary
The "Justice for the Living Victims of Lockerbie Act" (H.R. 6527) aims to provide compensation to specific United States victims of Libyan State-sponsored terrorism. It establishes a trust fund within the Treasury, allocating $42,066,338 for this purpose. The bill defines eligible recipients as individuals who were employed by Pan American World Airways, Inc. on December 3, 1991, were 45 years or older on that date, were named claimants in a specific court case, and were alive on August 14, 2008.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would create a mechanism for compensating a defined group of Lockerbie victims. The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission would be responsible for processing claims and certifying them for payment. The Secretary of the Treasury would then distribute funds from the newly established trust fund.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial compensation to a specific group of victims of Libyan State-sponsored terrorism.
- Acknowledges the suffering and losses endured by these individuals.
- Establishes a clear process for filing and processing claims.
- Designates a specific fund for the compensation, ensuring the money is available.
- Uses the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, an existing body, to determine eligibility.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The eligibility criteria are very specific, potentially excluding other victims of Libyan State-sponsored terrorism.
- The compensation amount may be considered insufficient by some recipients.
- The bill only addresses living victims, potentially overlooking the needs of families of deceased victims.
- The process involves multiple steps and agencies, which could lead to delays in compensation.
- The bill does not address broader issues related to terrorism or international relations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to provide relief to a specific group of citizens harmed by terrorism. The establishment of a trust fund and the appropriation of funds fall within Congress's power to manage federal finances. The role of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission aligns with the principle of due process, as it provides a mechanism for determining eligibility for compensation.
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).