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: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Target Audience
Population: Former Pan American employees involved in the Lockerbie bombing lawsuit
Estimated Size: 250
- The bill specifically targets former employees of Pan American Airways who were involved in an earlier lawsuit against Libya regarding the Lockerbie bombing.
- The bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 occurred in 1988, meaning any employees directly involved at that time would be in their late 50s or older if they were young employees then.
- The legal actions referenced imply these individuals have previously engaged in seeking justice or compensation, narrowing the group to those with prior claims.
- The total number of Pan American employees in 1988 was around 27,000; however, not all were involved in the flight or its aftermath. Thus, the number affected by the bombing, and involved legally, will be significantly smaller.
Reasoning
- The population directly impacted by this policy is extremely limited, targeting former employees of Pan American Airways involved in a specific legal action related to the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.
- Given that Pan Am ceased operations in the early 1990s, the number of employees who were involved in Flight 103 lawsuits and still need compensation is likely quite small—estimated in this context at around 250 to 300 individuals.
- Most non-impacted Americans may perceive this policy as having little to no influence on their lives since it deals with a specific historical event with a narrow scope of eligibility.
- Because this is essentially a compensation measure and not a recurring program or entitlement, the cost is fixed, making it important to understand the unique impact on those few affected.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Airline Mechanic (New York, NY)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I waited many years for some form of justice or compensation from the Lockerbie aftermath.
- This compensation fund might finally give us some closure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Retired Flight Attendant (Richmond, VA)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I didn't personally apply for compensation but know people who did.
- It's great to see some resolution even though I'm not directly affected.
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 |
Retired Airline Pilot (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 74 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This new fund seems like a better step toward recognizing our losses.
- I remain skeptical but hope it works out better than before.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
Retired Baggage Handler (Chicago, IL)
Age: 82 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's nice to see my old colleagues being recognized through this fund.
- Though I personally wasn't part of the suit, I understand the importance.
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 Cabin Crew Member (Miami, FL)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is bitter-sweet, as it can't bring anyone back, but at least there's some recognition.
- I've been fighting for this along with others for years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Retired Pan Am Clerk (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 67 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad former colleagues might find some closure with this policy.
- It doesn't affect me directly, but it's about time something was done.
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 |
Retired Legal Advisor (Seattle, WA)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worked closely with those affected, and this fund is long overdue.
- I hope this helps those I worked with to gain some peace.
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 |
Retired Operations Manager (Boston, MA)
Age: 73 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It seems fair to give compensation to those who were part of that tragic event.
- Better late than never.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired Flight Dispatcher (Dallas, TX)
Age: 78 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This fund seems more legitimate than previous attempts.
- Hopefully this will finally compensate those affected fairly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired Communications Officer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 80 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen the toll this has taken on my colleagues over the years.
- Finally, some recognition and compensation might help us heal.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $27000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $27000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $30000000)
Year 3: $27000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $30000000)
Year 5: $27000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $30000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The aging demographic of the target beneficiaries limits the timeframe for compensation.
- Non-taxable components of payouts can affect overall cost estimates.
- The historical context and legal precedents in similar cases guide the compensation amounts.