Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, welcomes the Senate Judiciary Committee’s passage of bipartisan legislation that seeks to strengthen the U.S. fight against international terrorism and provide justice to American victims.

The “Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act,” S. 2946, would restore Congress’ intent from the 1992 “Anti-Terrorism Act,” which gave U.S. citizens the right to sue terrorists for terror attacks regardless of where they occurred. Since then, however, terrorists and their supporters have tried to get around the law by claiming various exceptions.

The 2018 act was introduced by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Ia.) and is co-sponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.),  John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Bill Nelson (D-Fl.), Marco Rubio (R-Fl.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

The Orthodox Union supported the 1992 legislation and submitted a letter this week in support of the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act. Several other Jewish and pro-Israel groups also backed the new bill, as did thousands of veterans and 50,000 Americans who signed a petition urging the bill’s swift approval. The legislation will next be considered by the full Senate.

OU Advocacy Center Executive Director Nathan Diament stated:

“It is incumbent upon us as a nation to ensure that terrorists and their supporters who carry out attacks on Americans are brought to justice, regardless of jurisdiction. This new legislation not only fortifies existing law, but sends a message to terrorists across that globe that they cannot exploit U.S. laws to avoid punishment.”

OU President Mark (Moishe) Bane stated:

“We appreciate the leadership of Sen. Grassley and the other bipartisan legislators for their commitment to fight terrorism and bring its perpetrators to justice.”