The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act seeks to amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act, primarily to enhance and clarify the funding mechanisms for the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. The core purpose is to ensure more consistent and meaningful distributions to eligible claimants who have suffered from state-sponsored terrorism. This legislation introduces several new and substantial funding streams to bolster the Fund's financial capacity. A significant provision directs specific amounts from the forfeiture proceedings against Binance Holdings Limited into the Fund, totaling over $2.8 billion, plus accrued interest. Additionally, the bill mandates annual transfers of 50 percent of the excess unobligated balances from both the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and the Department of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund , along with half of the interest earned on their investments. These transfers are designed to provide a recurring and substantial source of revenue for the victims' compensation. The bill also clarifies that all funds and net proceeds forfeited to the United States after the bill's enactment, stemming from violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or the Trading with the Enemy Act, or involving state sponsors of terrorism, must be deposited into the Fund. Agencies are required to deposit these funds within 60 days of receipt or 30 days of enactment. Furthermore, it revises the annual payment schedule, requiring the Special Master or Attorney General to authorize additional pro rata payments to claimants on January 1, 2026, and each year thereafter, incorporating all newly received amounts and interest. To enhance transparency and oversight, the legislation establishes new reporting requirements. The Attorney General must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the Fund's balance, deposits, disbursements, and sources of funding, which will also be published online. The Comptroller General of the United States is mandated to produce an initial report by April 1, 2025, listing significant forfeitures and their destinations since 2020, followed by a triennial report evaluating the Fund's administration, funding sufficiency, and payment trends. Finally, the bill allows the Special Master to utilize up to 10 full-time equivalent Department of Justice personnel to assist in administering the Fund, with associated costs paid from the Fund itself. It also directs any remaining amounts in the lump sum catch-up payment reserve fund, plus interest, to be deposited into the Fund for a supplemental fifth-round distribution to eligible claimants by June 30, 2025.
Congressional oversightCrime victimsGovernment studies and investigationsGovernment trust fundsTerrorism
American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act
USA119th CongressHR-1530| House
| Updated: 2/24/2025
The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act seeks to amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act, primarily to enhance and clarify the funding mechanisms for the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. The core purpose is to ensure more consistent and meaningful distributions to eligible claimants who have suffered from state-sponsored terrorism. This legislation introduces several new and substantial funding streams to bolster the Fund's financial capacity. A significant provision directs specific amounts from the forfeiture proceedings against Binance Holdings Limited into the Fund, totaling over $2.8 billion, plus accrued interest. Additionally, the bill mandates annual transfers of 50 percent of the excess unobligated balances from both the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and the Department of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund , along with half of the interest earned on their investments. These transfers are designed to provide a recurring and substantial source of revenue for the victims' compensation. The bill also clarifies that all funds and net proceeds forfeited to the United States after the bill's enactment, stemming from violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or the Trading with the Enemy Act, or involving state sponsors of terrorism, must be deposited into the Fund. Agencies are required to deposit these funds within 60 days of receipt or 30 days of enactment. Furthermore, it revises the annual payment schedule, requiring the Special Master or Attorney General to authorize additional pro rata payments to claimants on January 1, 2026, and each year thereafter, incorporating all newly received amounts and interest. To enhance transparency and oversight, the legislation establishes new reporting requirements. The Attorney General must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the Fund's balance, deposits, disbursements, and sources of funding, which will also be published online. The Comptroller General of the United States is mandated to produce an initial report by April 1, 2025, listing significant forfeitures and their destinations since 2020, followed by a triennial report evaluating the Fund's administration, funding sufficiency, and payment trends. Finally, the bill allows the Special Master to utilize up to 10 full-time equivalent Department of Justice personnel to assist in administering the Fund, with associated costs paid from the Fund itself. It also directs any remaining amounts in the lump sum catch-up payment reserve fund, plus interest, to be deposited into the Fund for a supplemental fifth-round distribution to eligible claimants by June 30, 2025.