H.R. 5167 would amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to remove the authority of the President to waive certain provisions.
Detailed Summary
Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act - Terminates the authority of the President to grant the government of Iraq immunity from actions by victims of terrorism seeking compensation for injuries caused by officials, employees, or agents of the government of Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War when such government was classified as a state sponsor of terrorism, unless the President certifies to Congress that Iraq has adequately settled specified claims of U.S. soldiers and civilians held in Iraq as POWs and hostages and subject to state-sponsored torture and terrorism.
Provides an exception to the termination of such authority if the President certifies that: (1) Iraq has not compensated any foreign persons or entities for claims or liabilities incurred by or under the control of the Saddam Hussein regime, including commercial or financial claims and claims for acts against individuals similar to those described above; or (2) negotiations are ongoing with Iraq to settle the American claims, and the President believes that those negotiations are being conducted in good faith and could lead to a satisfactory settlement. Limits the latter certification period to 180 days (with authorized renewals by the President).
Defines various adequate settlement amounts, depending on the victim, length of torture or detainment, etc.
Prohibits the use of any U.S. funds to pay any claim covered under this Act.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 9/16/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
BM
September 8, 2008, 9:45pm (report abuse)This bill forces Iraq to negotiate a settlement with the hostages held during Gulf War One. Bush promised to insure justice to the victims but has not done so on three seperate occassions when he had the chance. This bill needs to be passed immediately!
HuiCha
September 9, 2008, 11:30am (report abuse)Iraq has been bleeding the US taxpayer while refusing to settle hostage claims against them. Recently, Iraq had a multi-billion dollar surplus but still refuses to settle these claims. This bill would force them to negotiate and settle these 18 year old claims.
Bob
September 9, 2008, 11:34am (report abuse)This bill costs the taxpayer nothing and would force the Iraq government to settle claims on behalf of US hostages held during the first Gulf War. It should be passed.
Randy
September 9, 2008, 11:38am (report abuse)President Bush has promised US victims of Iraq hostage taking that justice would be provided but his administration has refused to allow settlement of this issue. The Congress has now taken the necessary action to make Iraq settle them. Iraq is bleeding the US taxpayer while running a multi-billion dollar surplus. Make them pay!!!
Susan
September 9, 2008, 1:49pm (report abuse)I don't think it is fair that Iraq is collecting all this money from us but doesn't want to settle with former US citizens that were held against their will at gun point. I say either stop giving them our money or force them to settle with these victims.
George
September 14, 2008, 11:08am (report abuse)Wow! Here we are giving BILLIONS of dollars to Iraq and they refuse to settle claims of hostage taking. Let's get with the program Bush! Who's more important, the Iraq government or US CITIZENS! GET SERIOUS!!!
Jacob
September 15, 2008, 12:47pm (report abuse)I heard today that Bush is already threatening to veto this bill if it is attached to the Defense Appropriations Bill. I also heard that the State Department was using this issue and the victims as pawns in negotiations with Iraq. Who do they represent anyway? I hope the Congressmen/women and Senators have enough stamina to stand up for these victims of torture!!