Failing the promise: Fund for U.S. victims of foreign terrorism running low on money WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio [Video]

WASHINGTON DC — A fund to help American victims of international terrorism is running low on money, according to a new watchdog report.

The findings from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) looked into the “U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund” (USVSST Fund). The money is for survivors and family members of victims who have won judgments in court against state sponsors of terrorism.

GAO said while the fund collected more than $2 billion in FY 2016-2023, balances are now declining.

According to the report, the fund “did not authorize a round of payments in January 2024 due to insufficient funds.”

Money for the fund is paid for with criminal and civil penalties and seized assets linked to state sponsored terrorism. It is not funded by U.S. taxpayer money.

Angela Mistrulli understands the need for the fund first-hand. She was just 17 when her dad Joseph Mistrulli was killed in the September …