Des Moines Sun

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley expressed approval following the Supreme Court's unanimous decision to uphold the constitutionality of the Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act of 2019. This law, co-authored by Grassley and U.S. Senator James Lankford, allows American victims of international terrorism, including acts by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), to pursue civil lawsuits in U.S. courts.

Grassley commented on the ruling, stating, "For more than 30 years, I’ve advocated in Congress for the rights of victims and their families who are seeking to hold terrorist organizations and their financiers accountable for the evil they’ve inflicted. But along the way, courts have undermined Congress’ intent and the laws we’ve enacted to deter terrorism. At long last, Americans impacted by international terrorism now have a clear path to justice. I hope today’s ruling brings some measure of peace to those who’ve been injured or suffered the loss of a loved one at the hands of Palestinian terrorist organizations." He added that "this decision sends a resounding message that foreign terrorists who intend to harm our countrymen can expect to feel the full weight of the U.S. justice system upon them."

The background leading up to this decision involves Grassley's Anti-Terrorism Act of 1992 (ATA), which provided a framework for victims to sue those responsible for or aiding acts of international terrorism against Americans. The ATA was used by American families seeking damages from attacks by PA and PLO groups until a 2016 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit limited jurisdictional authority over these cases.

In response, Grassley and Lankford drafted legislation amending and strengthening the ATA through the Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act. The PA/PLO contested this law as unconstitutional regarding due process rights; however, today's Supreme Court decision rejected their challenge, affirming Congress' authority in significant foreign policy matters.