Dallas – On the sidelines of the Republican midterm convention, Angela Mistrulli, whose father perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, called on Congress to act before the September 30 fiscal deadline. Mistrulli, founder of American Victims of State‑Sponsored Terrorism (AVSSTU), said the United States Victims of State‑Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST Fund) – created in 2015 to provide relief to more than 22,000 victims of international state‑sponsored terrorism – has run dry.
Funding shortfall threatens victims
Since its inception, the USVSST Fund has distributed over $10 billion to families harmed by attacks such as September 11. However, the fund’s current balance is insufficient to meet pending claims, and without new appropriations, victims will continue to wait for compensation promised by Congress.
“We are still fighting for justice, transparency, recognition, and relief that Congress promised us,” Mistrulli told Fox News Digital. “It feels like forever, but it also feels like yesterday, and it’s disappointing because our country seems to have moved away from the unity we felt on September 12.”
Legislative effort gains bipartisan support
A bipartisan group of New York lawmakers introduced H.R. 9795 in July, naming the bill after Mistrulli’s father, Joseph D. Mistrulli. The legislation would require the Treasury Department to loan $3 billion annually to the USVSST Fund for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029. If passed, the loan program would restore the fund’s ability to pay outstanding judgments and future claims.
The Department of Justice has acknowledged that existing USVSST resources remain inadequate, noting that anticipated claims are likely to grow as more victims seek compensation for long‑term harms.
Families seek face‑time with leaders
Alongside other 9/11 families, Gold Star families, and civilian‑victim relatives, Mistrulli attended the convention to request direct meetings with elected officials. She emphasized that the 25th anniversary of the attacks is not only a time for remembrance but also a critical moment to secure the financial support victims need.
“We’re here not only to memorialize the 25th anniversary of 9/11, but also to try to get some face time with these leaders and these higher‑ups to discuss this urgent and critical topic,” she said.
Why the fund matters to Texas families
Although the legislation is federal, many Texas residents were directly affected by the attacks, and the fund’s depletion has resonated locally. Dallas‑area veterans, first‑responders, and families of victims have expressed concern that without renewed funding, the promise of relief will remain unfulfilled.
Local leaders have voiced support for the bill, noting that honoring the sacrifices of 9/11 victims aligns with the community’s values of faith, family, and liberty.
Next steps
Congress must act before the September 30 deadline to authorize additional appropriations or the Treasury loan program. Advocates plan to continue lobbying efforts throughout the remainder of the convention and beyond, urging lawmakers to prioritize the fund’s solvency.
“We have now been divided as a nation, and my wish to everyone out there as we commemorate this anniversary is to come back together,” Mistrulli added, calling for unity and decisive action.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
