Twenty-five years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Angela Mistrulli reflects, “It feels like forever, but it also feels like yesterday.” Mistrulli lost her father in the collapse of the World Trade Center on that tragic day. She founded the American Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism (AVSSTU), an organization dedicated to representing victims and families affected by terrorist attacks.
Angela Mistrulli spoke to Fox News Digital during the Republican midterm convention, where she joined other 9/11 family members, Gold Star families, and families of civilian victims. Their mission is urgent, as a fiscal deadline threatens the continuation of support from Congress.
Congress created the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST Fund). It was supposed to be a place for all victims to be able to go and receive some sort of relief. It was a lifeline to over 22,000 victims,” Mistrulli explained.
The USVSST Fund, established in 2015, has provided over $10 billion to victims harmed by international state-sponsored terrorism, including representatives of those lost in events like the 9/11 attacks. However, the fund has exhausted its resources, and Congress must act by September 30th for victims to continue receiving relief.
Mistrulli emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by victims: “We are still fighting for justice, transparency, recognition, and relief that Congress promised us. We’re here not only to memorialize the 25th anniversary of 9/11 but also to engage with leaders and discuss this urgent and critical topic.”
With the fiscal deadline approaching, Congress needs to authorize additional funding for victims with unpaid terrorism judgments. A bipartisan bill, H.R. 9795, introduced by New York lawmakers in July, proposes the Treasury Department loans $3 billion annually to the fund from 2027 to 2029. This legislation, named after Mistrulli’s father, aims to ensure the solvency of the fund.
The Department of Justice recognizes that current USVSST funds won’t suffice to fully meet victims’ claims, which continue to grow. Mistrulli and AVSSTU members are attending the convention to advocate for renewed congressional support.
As the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks approaches, the week of memorial activities culminates in Dallas. Mistrulli expressed mixed feelings: “This is a hard year. Twenty-five years. It feels like forever, but it also feels like yesterday, and it’s disappointing because our country has drifted away from the unity seen on September 12th. It’s exhausting to have fought for justice for so long.”
Mistrulli’s hope is for national unity as the anniversary is commemorated: “We have been divided as a nation, and my wish as we remember this anniversary is to never forget by coming back together.”