9/11 Victims Advocate Seeks Relief for Families as Fund Nears Depletion

Angela Mistrulli vividly recalls the tragic events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. She lost her father during the collapse of the World Trade Center towers in New York City. As founder of American Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism (AVSSTU), Mistrulli represents victims and families affected by these heinous acts.

Recently, she attended the Republican midterm convention, alongside other 9/11 family members, Gold Star families, and families of civilian victims. Their mission is clear: meet with political leaders to address an urgent problem before a crucial deadline.

“Congress created the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST Fund). It was intended to provide relief to all victims. But now, the fund is depleted, and Congress must act by September 30 for relief to continue,” explained Mistrulli.

Since 2015, the USVSST Fund has distributed over $10 billion to victims of international state-sponsored terrorism, benefiting those affected by significant events like the 9/11 attacks. Despite its existence, the fund is now running dry, leaving thousands waiting for relief.

Mistrulli expressed her continued struggle for justice and transparency, stressing, “Twenty-five years later, we’re still fighting for what Congress promised us: recognition and relief.” At the convention, she aimed to engage with leaders on these pressing topics.

With the fiscal deadline looming on September 30, further authorization from Congress is vital for victims holding unpaid terrorism judgments. A bipartisan bill, introduced in July by New York lawmakers, proposes that the U.S. Department of the Treasury loan $3 billion annually to the fund from fiscal years 2027 to 2029. Named H.R. 9795, the bill honors Mistrulli’s father, Joseph D. Mistrulli.

The Department of Justice acknowledged that USVSST funds remain insufficient to fully satisfy victims’ claims, and projections indicate the demand will continue to grow.

Mistrulli and AVSSTU members traveled to Dallas to advocate for continuing financial aid for victims as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at the convention.

Reflecting on the years since the attacks, Mistrulli remarked, “Twenty-five years can feel endless while also feeling like yesterday. Our nation isn’t as unified as it was on September 12th. These 25 years have been exhausting.” Her hope for commemoration is that people will come together again.

Paul Steinhauser reports on national campaigns across the U.S. for Fox News.