Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act

Bill: 110-hr-5167
Sponsor: Rep. Braley, Bruce L. [D-IA-1]
Introduced: 2008-01-29 in the House
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Armed Forces and National Security
Congress
Congress and foreign policy
Congressional oversight
Crime and Law Enforcement
Damages
Government Operations and Politics
Government liability (International law)
International Affairs
International claims
Iraq
Iraq compilation
Middle East and North Africa
Persian Gulf War
President and foreign policy
Presidential powers
Prisoners of war
State-sponsored terrorism
Terrorism
Torture
Victims of terrorism
War crimes

Summary:
action_date: 2008-01-29
text: 
Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (the Act) to remove the authority of the President to grant the government of Iraq immunity from actions by victims of terror seeking compensation for injuries caused by officials, employees, or agents of the government of Iraq during the time such government was classified as a state sponsor of terrorism if: (1) it is the interest of national security; (2) it promotes the reconstruction of, the consolidation of democracy in, and the relations of the United States with, Iraq; and (3) Iraq continues to be a reliable ally of the United States and partner in combating acts of international terrorism.

Deems ineffective, on the date of the enactment of this Act, any such immunity granted to the government of Iraq by the Act.

action_date: 2008-09-15
text: 
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.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2008-09-16
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2008-09-15
text: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2008-09-15
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2008-09-15
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H8098-8100)
action_date: 2008-09-15
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H8098-8100)
action_date: 2008-09-15
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5167.
action_date: 2008-09-15
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8098-8103)
action_date: 2008-09-15
text: Mr. Scott (VA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2008-09-15
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 545.
action_date: 2008-09-15
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 110-844.
action_date: 2008-09-15
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 110-844.
action_date: 2008-07-30
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2008-07-30
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2008-07-28
text: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Discharged.
action_date: 2008-02-25
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
action_date: 2008-01-29
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2008-01-29
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2008-01-29
text: Introduced in House