Advocacy Amid Approaching Deadline: A Call for Continued Support for Victims of Terrorism
DALLAS – As the nation marks 25 years since the September 11 attacks, Angela Mistrulli reflects, “It feels like forever, but it also feels like yesterday.” Her father perished during the World Trade Center collapse in New York City. Mistrulli leads the American Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism (AVSSTU), advocating for families affected by terror.
At the Republican midterm convention, Mistrulli, along with 9/11 family members, Gold Star families, and others, lobbied political leaders. Their mission: to secure action before an imminent deadline.
Two flags flutter on a fence in front of Lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center at sunset on June 13, 2026, in Bayonne, New Jersey. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
The United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund was established as a relief source for affected victims, aiding over 22,000 people. Mistrulli notes, “Unfortunately, that fund has run dry, and September 30th marks a fiscal deadline for Congress to act promptly.” Established in 2015, the fund has disbursed over $10 billion to victims of international state-sponsored terrorism.
Mistrulli highlights ongoing struggles, “25 years after 9/11, we’re fighting for justice, transparency, recognition, and relief Congress promised.” The convention aimed not only to honor the 25th anniversary but also to facilitate discussions with political leaders on urgent matters.
Mourners left colorful flowers at the 9/11 Memorial, paying tribute to those killed in the September 11 attacks on New York City. (Getty Images)
As September 30 approaches, Congress must authorize additional funding for victims with unpaid terrorism judgments. In July, a bipartisan group from New York proposed bill H.R. 9795. This bill advocates for the U.S. Department of the Treasury to allocate $3 billion annually to the fund for fiscal years 2027-2029, ensuring financial solvency.
The bill, dubbed H.R. 9795, is named in honor of Mistrulli’s father—it’s known as the Never Forget the Victims of Terrorism: Joseph D. Mistrulli and Alan Kleinberg USVSST Fund Solvency Act. The Department of Justice acknowledges fund insufficiencies in compensating victim claims.
AVSSTU members seek Congressional support for continued funding as the 25th anniversary concludes during the Dallas convention activities.
Top officials gathered at George Bush’s home state for 9/11 remembrance on the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Mistrulli describes this year’s landmark anniversary as challenging. “25 years. It feels like forever, but it also feels like yesterday,” she lamented, expressing disappointment over national divergence.
Her message: to memorialize by uniting. “We have now been divided as a nation. My wish throughout this anniversary is coming back together as we commemorate and memorialize.”
Paul Steinhauser reports on national campaigns for Fox News.