We write as American victims of Iranian sponsored terrorism, including wounded servicemembers, civilians, surviving family members, and Gold Star families seeking justice and accountability under the laws Congress enacted to protect American victims of terrorism.

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For decades, Iran and its terrorist proxies have carried out attacks against Americans across the globe. Congress responded by creating an exception to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) and enacting the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). All three ensure victims can pursue accountability in United States courts, consistent with the creed and core value of branches of U.S. armed forces: Leave No One Behind.

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Recent judicial interpretations have undermined these protections and created loopholes that threaten to deny thousands of Americans their day in court. Courts have requested that Congress fix these loopholes, which have not been fixed. Consequentially, courts now rule that terrorism financiers may intentionally violate U.S. anti-terrorism sanctions by laundering funds through Iran, thereby allowing Iran to continue its sponsorship of terror.

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Congress must act to restore the original intent of these laws and ensure that American victims of terrorism are not left behind without the right to seek justice. The Administration and Congress should ensure that Iran is held accountable for decades of terrorism directed against Americans.

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We respectfully request that the Administration support and bipartisan leadership introduce and pass the Justice for American Victims of Iranian Sponsored Terrorism Act, which would:

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• Amend FSIA to clarify that attempted extrajudicial killings resulting in serious injury are actionable.

• Close loopholes created by the courts and clarify that JASTA operates as Congress intended, giving veterans and Gold Star families the right to prosecute civil lawsuits against those who knowingly or intentionally provide funding for terrorism against Americans indirectly through Iran.

• Withhold and transfer at least 10% of any frozen Iranian funds into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism (USVSST) Fund, in the event that such funds are released.

• Release the frozen USVSST Fund catch-up payments to the survivors and family members of the Iranian-sponsored bombing of the Khobar Towers residential complex, who have been left behind due to a clerical error.

• Ensure that any future agreement with Iran addresses outstanding terrorism judgments owed to American victims.

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American servicemembers and families harmed by terrorism should not lose access to justice because of unintended judicial interpretations that conflict with congressional intent. We urge President Trump and bipartisan leadership to move Congress to act swiftly to restore accountability and support victims of terrorism.

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Thank you for your leadership and consideration of these urgently needed reforms.