[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE ``SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND EXTENSION 
                             ACT OF 2003''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2003

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``September 11th 
Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act of 2003,'' legislation that 
extends the deadline for filing a claim with the September 11 Victim 
Compensation Fund to December 31, 2004. I am joined by Reps. Nadler, 
Scott of Virginia, Jackson Lee, Meehan, Delahunt, Weiner, Schiff, 
Langevin, Scott of Georgia, Carson of Indiana, Sanders, Crowley and 
Moran.
  The current deadline for applying for compensation from the Victims 
Fund is rapidly approaching, but it has become apparent that many 
families need more time. Thus far, just under a third of eligible 
families have applied to the Fund for compensation--only about 1,282 
death claims and 1,050 injury claims have been filed so far by victim 
families, according to the Department of Justice.
  Ken Feinberg, the Special Master for the Fund, is doing his best to 
get victims families to understand their rights. Recently, he has even 
taken out extensive advertisements in a number of newspapers and 
created a series of informational meetings and claim assistance sites 
to assist victims' families to file for compensation with the Victims 
Fund instead of filing a lawsuit against the airlines industry. These 
efforts should be commended.
  In light of this reality, however, we believe it is appropriate to 
extend the deadline for filing applications to the Victims Fund to 
December 31, 2004--an extension of just over a year. This extension 
would give grieving families additional time to mourn those who were 
lost and to overcome the emotional challenges of filing paperwork with 
the Victims Fund. Several September 11 victims support groups all agree 
that such an extension would provide some relief during these dark days 
for victims' families, as they endure the grieving process.
  As we continue to reflect upon the tragedy of September 11th, 
victims' families have many burdens. They do not need this arbitrary 
deadline confronting them between September 11 and the year-end 
holidays. This is something we can do now for victims of September 11. 
We strongly encourage are colleagues to support the ``September 11th 
Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act of 2003.''

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