Upon its enactment, SB3336 would lead to the creation of the Living Victims of Lockerbie Claims Trust Fund, which the Secretary of the Treasury would establish within 30 days. This fund would set aside $20 million for compensation, which would be distributed among qualifying victims based on the number of approved claims. The bill emphasizes that timely action is required from the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission to certify claims and facilitate payments, highlighting an organized approach to addressing the repercussions of state-sponsored terrorism.
Summary
SB3336, known as the Justice for the Living Victims of Lockerbie Act, aims to provide compensation for U.S. victims of Libyan state-sponsored terrorism, specifically targeting those affected by the Lockerbie bombing. The bill establishes a claims process and a dedicated trust fund for eligible victims, defined as those who were over 45 years old on a specific date, were employed by Pan American World Airways at the time of the bombing in 1991, and were named claimants in a specific lawsuit against the Libyan government. This legislation seeks to ensure that these individuals receive financial compensation for the suffering and losses they endured due to terrorism.
Contention
However, there may be contention related to the specific eligibility criteria outlined in the bill. The requirements regarding age, employment, and legal claim status might exclude other potential victims who suffered from the effects of Libyan terrorism but do not meet these strict definitions. Critics might argue that this limitation could undermine the bill's intent to provide comprehensive support to all affected individuals. Additionally, the allocation of funds and its sufficiency in addressing all claims could lead to further disputes regarding fairness and adequacy of the compensation process.