Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, this weekend is the 15th anniversary of the terrible attacks on our country on September 11, 2001. It is impossible to forget the horrible events of that day and the pain, grief, and mourning that our country felt. I think it is one of those seminal events in my life--and I am sure I am not alone--that I will always remember what I was doing and where I was when those planes hit the World Trade Center. It reminds me of when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated when I was much younger. I remember where I was and what I was doing.

I know communities across the country will spend time on this anniversary of 9/11 honoring the lives of the victims, their families, and the friends that they left behind, as well as the first responders and volunteers who put others before themselves in the wake of so much destruction.

One way that Congress can honor the victims of that day and lend support to their families is by sending the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act to President Obama's desk for his signature. This bill would enable Americans and their family members to pursue justice against those who sponsor acts of terrorism on the U.S. homeland, such as that which occurred on September 11, 2001.

A few months ago this legislation passed unanimously in the Senate. Again, there is not much legislation that passes this body unanimously, but this did.

I believe unanimous passage of this bill sends an unmistakable message that we will combat terrorism with every tool we have. Just as importantly, we will make sure that simple justice is available to the victims of terrorist attacks on our soil by not erecting any unnecessary roadblocks to the pursuit of justice in the courts of law.

I understand that the House of Representatives will vote on this legislation, perhaps as soon as today or tomorrow, and I hope they send a similar message to the victims and their families on this 15th anniversary of 9/11.

Finally, I hope the President will rethink his previous statements expressing an intent to perhaps veto this legislation. It makes absolutely no sense to prevent the families who suffered losses as a result of terrorist attacks on our soils from having their day in court against whoever is responsible. This legislation does not purport to decide who is responsible but merely removes the impediments under the sovereign immunity act that prevent them from even presenting their case in court.

It is time we help victims of terrorism in our country to seek justice, and it is time that the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act becomes the law of the land.

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