Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I would also like to say a few words about secondary liability under the Anti-Terrorism Act, which JASTA addresses. This bill is called the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. It helps fulfill the promise of the original Anti-Terrorism Act, which was intended to ``interrupt, or at least imperil, the flow of money'' to terrorist groups. So, while JASTA clarifies the rule for secondary liability, which may attach to terrorism sponsors, it doesn't impact other aspects of the ATA that may also make them liable. For example, this bill is not intended to alter how violations of sections 2339A-- material support--or 2339C--terrorist financing--can be the basis for direct liability under the ATA. Mr. President, I would add, there is already litigation pending by the families who lost loved ones on 9/11, and right now there appears to be somewhat of a split in the Federal courts with regard to the scope of sovereign immunity and whether it applies. This legislation would basically clarify that both for pending cases and for future claims. At this point, I would defer to my friend, the Senator from New York, for any statement he would care to make, and then I would be happy to offer a unanimous consent request. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New York.”