The Fight for Continued Support After 25 Years: Victims of 9/11 Seek Congressional Action

Twenty-five years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Angela Mistrulli reflects on the time passed as “It feels like forever, but it also feels like yesterday.” Mistrulli, who lost her father in the World Trade Center collapse in New York City, founded the American Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism (AVSSTU). This organization represents those affected by terrorist acts. At the Republican midterm convention, she joined other 9/11 family members, Gold Star families, and civilian victims’ families, seeking to meet political leaders before a critical deadline approaches.

Mistrulli discussed with Fox News Digital the urgent need for Congressional action. “Congress created the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST Fund) as a lifeline for over 22,000 victims,” she explained. “Sadly, that fund has run dry, and the fiscal deadline for Congress to act is approaching on September 30th.”

Established in 2015, the USVSST Fund has distributed over $10 billion to those affected by international state-sponsored terrorism, including 9/11 attack survivors and their representatives. Mistrulli emphasized the continuing struggle for justice, transparency, recognition, and relief for victims as promised by Congress. “We are here not only to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 but also to engage with leaders on this urgent issue,” she stated.

As the fiscal-year deadline nears on September 30, Congress must authorize additional funding to settle unpaid terrorism judgments. A bipartisan group of lawmakers from New York proposed a bill in July, which seeks to have the U.S. Department of the Treasury loan $3 billion annually to the fund for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029. Named H.R. 9795, the bill honors Mistrulli’s father as well as Alan Kleinberg, with the Never Forget the Victims of Terrorism: Joseph D. Mistrulli and Alan Kleinberg USVSST Fund Solvency Act.

The Department of Justice has acknowledged that existing USVSST funds are insufficient for fully compensating victims’ claims, which are expected to continue growing. Mistrulli and AVSSTU members are pressing Congress members at the Republican midterm convention to authorize continued funding, coinciding with the conclusion of the 25th anniversary observances of the 9/11 attacks.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Mistrulli conveyed, “This year is tough. It feels like forever, yet it feels like yesterday. It’s disappointing how far we have drifted from the unity felt on September 12th. This ongoing fight for justice after 25 years is exhausting.” She urged for a national unity on this memorial, hoping for everyone to come back together.