The Senate has unanimously voted to approve the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act of 2018, which was introduced by Iowa Senator and Judiciary Committee Chairman, Chuck Grassley. The act improves access to justice in U.S. courts for Americans who are victimized by acts of terrorism while abroad and makes much-needed updates to the Antiterrorism Act of 1992. That bill was also introduced by Grassley, but he claims it has been misinterpreted by some federal courts, which has weakened Congress’ intent for the law. “Congress’ intent was clear: U.S. victims of international terrorism should be able to seek justice in U.S. courts against those responsible, no matter where the attacks occurred,” Grassley says. “But recent flawed court decisions have undermined the law’s purpose. Our bill is a carefully balanced approach to better ensure victims’ access to compensation and to hold supporters of terrorism accountable.” The bill was introduced in May and cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee in July. It now moves to the House of Representatives for final passage, where companion legislation was introduced and passed on July 23.
