Bill Overview
Title: Justice for the Living Victims of Lockerbie Act
Description: This bill establishes a mechanism for compensating certain victims of the bombing of Pan American Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, on December 21, 1988. Specifically, the Department of the Treasury must establish a fund to compensate qualifying victims of the bombing (generally, former employees of Pan American who were part of an earlier lawsuit seeking compensation from Libya for the bombing). The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission must establish a process for claimants to apply for compensation from the fund.
Sponsors: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19]
Target Audience
Population: Former employees of Pan American involved in a case for compensation from the Lockerbie bombing
Estimated Size: 100
- The bombing of Pan American Flight 103 over Lockerbie occurred in 1988, affecting passengers, crew, and their families worldwide.
- Victims eligible for compensation under this new bill are primarily those who were part of an earlier lawsuit seeking compensation from Libya, specifically former employees of Pan American.
- The Pan American airline had its base in the United States, suggesting a significant portion of the employees could be American.
- Considering the specific focus on former Pan American employees, the total global number is likely limited as it pertains to those alive and eligible for compensation now.
Reasoning
- The population eligible for compensation under this policy is very specific and limited. We are targeting former Pan American employees involved in an earlier lawsuit related to the Lockerbie bombing.
- Due to the age of these individuals (considering the event took place in 1988), it's important to consider the shrinking size of the eligible population due to typical lifespan and natural attrition.
- Given the limited budget and scope of the policy, the direct impact will be confined to financial compensation, with a focus primarily on economic well-being, which may indirectly boost general life satisfaction for some involved participants.
- Simulated interviews include a mix of potentially eligible individuals and others to gauge public perception and indirect impacts such as public sentiment or solidarity.
- For validity, we include a few cases where the policy has no direct impact to represent perceptions from the broader community.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Airline Pilot (New York, NY)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy finally provides the justice and compensation we've been waiting for.
- It doesn't change the past, but it helps my family financially.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired Flight Attendant (Miami, FL)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wish this policy included immediate family members as well.
- It's a good start, but the scope is too limited.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Attorney (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy validates years of legal battles.
- It provides necessary closure for many involved.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Airline Industry Analyst (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 49 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Compensation policies like these set important precedents.
- This might help with public reassurance in aviation safety but doesn't address broader industry needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Lawyer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Justice cannot be bought but compensations are due regardless.
- The policy is necessary but long overdue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Grief Counselor (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 73 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Compensation is a tool for healing and necessary.
- While not financially impacted, proud to see this measure implemented.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Former Pan Am Engineer (Dallas, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Long wait for this kind of justice and closure.
- It should help cover some healthcare costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired Pan Am Customer Service Representative (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Emotional support and compensation long overdue.
- Grateful for measures targeting former employees.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Aviation Safety Consultant (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Great to see some resolution for those affected.
- Wider reforms in aviation are needed further.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Financial Analyst (Houston, TX)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Financial stability might be slightly improved for some.
- Importance lies in recognition and acknowledgment of the issue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The primary cost in year 1 would involve setting up the fund and processing the bulk of claims.
- The number of eligible claimants is uncertain but estimated based on U.S.-focused living participants from prior lawsuits.
- The duration for which compensation is paid is expected to decline after initial claims are settled and processed in the first few years.