Senate

Senators pledge vote on 9/11 terror bill

by Jordain Carney - 12/21/15 1:12 PM ET

Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) are pledging to get a vote on legislation aimed at allowing families of 9/11 victims to sue sponsors of terrorism.

“We will push hard to move the [Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act] bill through the Judiciary Committee early next year, and onto the Senate floor quickly,” the senators said on Monday.

{mosads}The legislation, which the senators introduced earlier this year, would block foreign governments and sponsors of terrorism from claiming “sovereign immunity” for attacks that killed Americans on U.S. soil. It would also allow them to be sued in U.S. courts.

The senators argue that the legislation is needed after courts blocked terrorism-related claims from 9/11 victims, limiting their ability to sue. In 2013, a court threw out a lawsuit from 9/11 victims against countries that helped fund the attacks.

“It is our hope that Republicans and Democrats will come together next year and finally pass legislation that allows the victims’ families to seek justice against those who perpetrated and facilitated the horrific acts of September 11, 2001,” the senators added in a statement.

While the Senate passed the legislation in late 2014, the House didn’t take it up before adjourning last year.

Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.) introduced a similar bill in the House this year.

Tags Chuck Schumer John Cornyn