No 9/11 Family Left Behind Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9350
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T17:27:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to provide an additional lump-sum payment to certain eligible claimants linked to the September 11, 2001 attacks. The goal is to ensure these individuals receive catch-up compensation they have not yet obtained under prior provisions.
Key Provisions
- Adds a new paragraph (E) to Section 404(d)(4) of the Act (34 U.S.C. 20144).
- Requires the Special Master to notify eligible claimants of their eligibility and claim process within 90 days of enactment.
- Directs the Special Master to make additional payments equal to 5.8573 percent of any qualifying judgment.
- Mandates payments within 90 days after the Special Master receives proof of eligibility.
- Appropriates necessary funds from the U.S. Treasury for these payments.
- Defines an "eligible claimant" as an individual who: (1) has not received a prior payment under a specific earlier subparagraph, (2) meets basic eligibility criteria in the Act, (3) has a qualifying judgment, and (4) is either a 9/11 victim claimant under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act or a qualifying spouse or dependent under related federal regulations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces a targeted new category of catch-up payments for 9/11-related claimants who were previously excluded from a specific payment stream. It overrides certain existing restrictions on payments and creates a dedicated notification and timing process, along with a direct Treasury appropriation.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Special Master must handle additional notifications and processing; the Treasury Department must provide funding without other appropriations.
- Citizens: Provides direct financial compensation to qualifying 9/11 victims' families and dependents who have not yet received the referenced prior payment.
- International relations: No direct changes, though the underlying Act addresses compensation tied to state-sponsored terrorism.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Eligible 9/11 claimants and their families (spouses and dependents).
- The Special Master administering the compensation fund.
- The U.S. Department of the Treasury.
- Congress, through its role in authorizing the appropriation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill expands compensation under an existing terrorism victim program through a specific amendment and direct spending authority. It raises no apparent constitutional issues, as it operates within Congress's power to appropriate funds and modify prior statutes. The measure focuses narrowly on equity for a defined group of domestic claimants without altering broader terrorism compensation rules.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- No 9/11 Family Left Behind Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (4 pages)