HR4863-119

What This Bill Does

The Fairness for Khobar Act fixes a narrow eligibility problem in the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It requires the Fund's Special Master to authorize lump-sum catch-up payments for 1983 Beirut barracks bombing victims and 1996 Khobar Towers bombing victims who did not apply because Justice Department guidance said only one application could be submitted per claim and that claimants already found eligible for regular distributions were not eligible for lump-sum catch-up payments. Within 30 days, the Special Master must publish procedures and guidance. Covered victims can prove reliance on the prior guidance through written or verbal communications with the Fund, a sworn statement, or another method identified by the Special Master. Payments may come from the existing reserve fund or the Fund if reserves are insufficient.

Who Benefits and How

1983 Beirut barracks bombing victims benefit because the bill reopens access to lump-sum catch-up payments they may have skipped under Justice Department guidance. 1996 Khobar Towers bombing victims benefit from the same catch-up payment pathway. Victims' family members with eligible claims benefit if they can document reliance on prior Fund guidance. Claimants who previously received regular distributions benefit because that status no longer blocks catch-up payment eligibility for this group.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Fund Special Master must publish procedures within 30 days and authorize qualifying payments. Justice Department victim compensation staff must process reliance documentation and reconcile payments with the reserve fund. The State Sponsored Terrorism Fund bears payment obligations from reserves or the broader Fund. Other Fund claimants may face less money available if catch-up payments draw from shared Fund resources.

Key Provisions

• Requires lump-sum catch-up payments for covered Beirut barracks and Khobar Towers bombing victims.
• Allows claimants to prove reliance on prior Justice Department guidance through communications, sworn statements, or Special Master-approved methods.
• Requires implementation procedures within 30 days.
• Uses the reserve fund first and the broader State Sponsored Terrorism Fund if reserves are insufficient.