PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 111-858.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Dec 23, 2009
Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act - Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) expand the liability of foreign states for tortious acts committed against U.S. citizens during a terrorist act and allow civil actions against a foreign state that are now pending or that were dismissed to proceed in accordance with such expanded liability; and (2) impose liability on a foreign state for the acts or omissions of its officials or employees while acting within the scope of their office or employment.
Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) impose liability on any person who aids and abets an act of international terrorism, provides material support or resources to terrorist organizations, or conspires with terrorists; (2) grant U.S. district courts personal jurisdiction over such persons; (3) remove the prohibition against bringing a civil action against foreign states or foreign officials for damages related to acts of terrorism; (4) extend from 4 to 10 years the limitation period for bringing an action for civil damages resulting from an act of international terrorism; and (5) allow previously time-barred cases to be refiled within 90 days of the enactment of this Act.
People & committees
Sen. Specter, Arlen [D-PA] · D–PA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 111-858.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13885-13886)
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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