Bill Number: HR 6261 | Origin Chamber: House | Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | Policy Area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Adjusts rules for terrorism fund payments to specific 9/11 victim families.
Representative Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and several bipartisan co-sponsors.
In committee, no House vote yet
This bill, titled the "Fairness for 9/11 Families Technical Fix Act," changes how a specific group of 9/11 victims, known as "Havlish Settling Judgment Creditors," receive payments from the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It was introduced by Republican Representative Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, alongside bipartisan co-sponsors including Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr. Kean, Mr. Doggett, Mr. Neguse, Mr. Carbajal, and Mr. Pallone. It is currently awaiting review and potential changes in the House Judiciary Committee.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on November 21, 2025, and immediately sent to the Committee on the Judiciary. For it to become law, it would typically need to pass the House committee, be voted on by the full House, then go through a similar process in the Senate, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill passes, a specific group of 9/11 victims, identified in a 2014 court order related to state-sponsored terrorism, would have funds that were previously allocated but withheld now released and paid to them. Additionally, these same victims would be guaranteed eligibility for any future payment rounds from the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, just like other claimants. These new rules would effectively be in place since December 29, 2022.
Supporters Say
Supporters likely argue the bill ensures fairness and correct payments for specific 9/11 victim families already recognized by a court.
Critics Say
The bill text does not indicate any opposition, suggesting it is viewed as a technical correction to an existing fund.
This bill appears to be a targeted "technical fix" designed to resolve an issue preventing a specific group of 9/11 victims from receiving allocated funds. Given its focus on ensuring payments to victims of terrorism and its bipartisan sponsorship, it is likely to be broadly supported as a matter of justice and equity for those affected.