Justice for the Living Victims of Lockerbie Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 9, 2025
Bottom line
This bill provides a fixed amount of compensation to a narrowly defined group of U.S. victims of Libyan State-sponsored terrorism, specifically those connected to the Lockerbie bombing who meet strict eligibility criteria.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a trust fund of $42,066,338 within the U.S. Treasury to compensate a specific group of U.S. victims of Libyan State-sponsored terrorism. Eligibility is narrowly defined, primarily for former Pan American World Airways employees who were claimants in a specific lawsuit related to the Lockerbie bombing and were alive on a particular date. The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission is tasked with managing the claims process, certifying eligible individuals, and authorizing payments from the fund.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill provides long-overdue justice and financial relief to a specific group of victims who have suffered greatly due to state-sponsored terrorism. They contend that these individuals, many of whom are elderly, deserve recognition and compensation for their enduring trauma and losses, especially given the unique circumstances of the Lockerbie bombing and prior compensation efforts.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that while the suffering of victims is undeniable, creating highly specific compensation funds through legislation can set problematic precedents, potentially leading to demands for similar funds for other victim groups. They might also question the fairness of the specific eligibility criteria, which excludes other victims or their families, or the source of the funds (general Treasury funds rather than directly from Libya).
The bill is very short and clear, allowing for quick comprehension of its core provisions.
Section 2
Definition of Compensable Living Victim
This section precisely defines who is eligible for compensation under the Act. An individual must be a U.S. person, at least 45 years old on December 3, 1991, employed by Pan American World Airways, Inc. on that date, a named claimant in the Abbott et al. v. Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya lawsuit (case number 1:94-cv-02444-SS), and alive on August 14, 2008. These criteria significantly narrow the pool of potential beneficiaries.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that these specific criteria are necessary to target compensation to a particular group of victims who have not been fully compensated by previous efforts, focusing on those directly impacted by the Lockerbie bombing and who pursued legal action.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that such narrow criteria could be seen as arbitrary, potentially excluding other deserving victims or their families who suffered similar harm but do not meet every specific condition, leading to perceived inequities.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between providing targeted relief to a specific, identifiable group of victims and the potential for perceived unfairness or exclusion of other victims who may also have suffered from Libyan state-sponsored terrorism but do not fit the precise definition.
Section 3
Establishment of Trust Fund and Appropriation
This section mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a dedicated trust fund, named the 'Living Victims of Lockerbie Claims Trust Fund,' within 30 days of the bill's enactment. It then appropriates a specific amount of $42,066,338 from the U.S. Treasury to this fund. This money is designated solely for compensating the eligible victims identified in Section 2, and it remains available until all claims are paid.
Section 4
Compensation Process and Payment Authorization
This section outlines the process for victims to receive compensation. The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission (FCSC) is tasked with establishing a claims filing process, determining eligibility based on the criteria in Section 2, and certifying approved claims to the Secretary of the Treasury. Once certified, the Secretary is authorized to make payments from the Fund. Each certified claimant (or their estate) will receive an equal share of the total appropriated amount ($42,066,338 divided by the number of certified claims).