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“INTRODUCTION OF THE ``SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND EXTENSION ACT OF 2003''” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1794 on Sept. 16, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE ``SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND EXTENSION
ACT OF 2003''
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HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act of 2003,'' legislation that extends the deadline for filing a claim with the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund to December 31, 2004. I am joined by Reps. Nadler, Scott of Virginia, Jackson Lee, Meehan, Delahunt, Weiner, Schiff, Langevin, Scott of Georgia, Carson of Indiana, Sanders, Crowley and Moran.
The current deadline for applying for compensation from the Victims Fund is rapidly approaching, but it has become apparent that many families need more time. Thus far, just under a third of eligible families have applied to the Fund for compensation--only about 1,282 death claims and 1,050 injury claims have been filed so far by victim families, according to the Department of Justice.
Ken Feinberg, the Special Master for the Fund, is doing his best to get victims families to understand their rights. Recently, he has even taken out extensive advertisements in a number of newspapers and created a series of informational meetings and claim assistance sites to assist victims' families to file for compensation with the Victims Fund instead of filing a lawsuit against the airlines industry. These efforts should be commended.
In light of this reality, however, we believe it is appropriate to extend the deadline for filing applications to the Victims Fund to December 31, 2004--an extension of just over a year. This extension would give grieving families additional time to mourn those who were lost and to overcome the emotional challenges of filing paperwork with the Victims Fund. Several September 11 victims support groups all agree that such an extension would provide some relief during these dark days for victims' families, as they endure the grieving process.
As we continue to reflect upon the tragedy of September 11th, victims' families have many burdens. They do not need this arbitrary deadline confronting them between September 11 and the year-end holidays. This is something we can do now for victims of September 11. We strongly encourage are colleagues to support the ``September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act of 2003.''
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