PAUL URGES USE OF TERRORIST ASSETS TO COMPENSATE VICTIMS

Washington, DC: Congressman Ron Paul yesterday sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to support legislation that would greatly benefit victims of terrorist attacks. A provision in the terrorism insurance bill already passed by the House allows victims to obtain financial compensation using frozen terrorist assets. Paul hopes to make sure the Senate retains the same provision in the final version of the bill.

"Justice and fairness dictate that terrorist assets should be used to compensate those directly harmed by terrorist attacks," Paul stated. "The federal government has a moral responsibility to do everything it can to make terrorists pay restitution. The victims of September 11th or any other terrorist tragedy deserve compensation, and the State department must allow frozen assets to be released when terrorist victims obtain court judgments."

Representatives Edward Royce and Brad Sherman of California joined Paul in signing the letter, which was sent to both House speaker Hastert and Senate majority leader Daschle. The letter outlines how victim compensation discourages future acts of terrorism and relieves U.S. taxpayers and insurance companies of some of the financial burdens stemming from terrorist attacks.