PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Sep 28, 2016
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on May 17, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act
(Sec. 3) This bill amends the federal judicial code to narrow the scope of foreign sovereign immunity (i.e., a foreign state's immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts).
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Specifically, it authorizes federal court jurisdiction over a civil claim against a foreign state for physical injury to a person or property or death that occurs inside the United States as a result of: (1) an act of international terrorism, and (2) a tort committed anywhere by an official, agent, or employee of a foreign state acting within the scope of employment.
International terrorism does not include an act of war. Federal court jurisdiction does not extend to a tort claim based on an omission or an act that is merely negligent.
A U.S. national may file a civil action against a foreign state for physical injury, death, or damage as a result of an act of international terrorism committed by a designated terrorist organization.
(Sec. 4) The bill amends the federal criminal code to impose civil liability on a person who conspires to commit or aids and abets (by knowingly providing substantial assistance) an act of international terrorism committed, planned, or authorized by a designated terrorist organization.
(Sec. 5) It establishes exclusive federal court jurisdiction over civil claims under this bill.
It authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to intervene in civil proceedings to seek a stay. A court may grant the stay if the Department of State certifies that the United States is engaged in good-faith discussions with the foreign state to resolve the civil claims. (Sec. 7) This bill's amendments apply to a civil claim: (1) pending on or commenced on or after enactment; and (2) arising out of an injury to a person, property, or business on or after September 11, 2001.
People & committees
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] · R–TX
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 114-222.
Became Public Law No: 114-222.
The Chair directed the Clerk to notify the Senate of the action of the House.
Two-thirds of the Members present having voted in the affirmative the bill is passed, the Passed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 348 - 77, 1 Present (Roll no. 564).
House roll call 564 · Individual votesPassed House over veto: Two-thirds of the Members present having voted in the affirmative the bill is passed, the Passed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 348 - 77, 1 Present (Roll no. 564).
House roll call 564 · Individual votesThe previous question was ordered pursuant the previous order. (consideration: CR H6032)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the question of passage of S. 2040, the objections of the President to the contrary, notwithstanding.
The Chair laid before the House the veto message from the President. (consideration: CR H6023-6032; text of veto message: CR 6023-6024)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate over veto by Yea-Nay Vote. 97 - 1. Record Vote Number: 148.
Senate roll call 148 · Individual votesPassed Senate over veto: Passed Senate over veto by Yea-Nay Vote. 97 - 1. Record Vote Number: 148.
Senate roll call 148 · Individual votesVeto Message considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S6166-6173)
Veto message ordered held at the desk.
Vetoed by President. (text of veto message: CR 9/26/2016 S6071-6072)
Vetoed by President.(text of veto message: CR 9/26/2016 S6071-6072)
Veto message received in Senate.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5239-5240)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H5239-5240)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2040.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5239-5244)
Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT - Mr. Sessions asked unanimous consent that it be in order at any time on the legislative day of September 9, 2016, for the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules, as though under clause 1 of rule 15, relating to S. 2040.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
The committee substitute withdrawn by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2847)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S2845-2848; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S2846-2847)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 362.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6701-6702)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.2040 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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