W000643
November 21, 2001
Dear Director Zwick:
On behalf of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), representing 50,000 flight attendants at
26 airlines, we are writing to comment on the Department of Justice's November 5 Notice of Inquiry
and Advanced Notice of Rulemaking regarding the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of
2001. AFA represents some of the flight attendants lost onboard aircraft during the attacks of
September 11th.
The purpose of the notice is to ask for public comment in the development of any rules established under
the program "including, but not limited to, potential beneficiaries of the program, their employers, the
legal community, and all those who have come forward to help those impacted."
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund is an important program in helping victims and their
families recover from the attacks. However, we have concerns that the current proposed statute does not
clearly identify that domestic partners in same-sex relationships or non-biological children are eligible to
receive compensation from the Fund. We believe that when Congress approved the Fund it was for the
purpose of helping all families to recover their economic security and ease the economic difficulties of
all survivors. Compensation delivered through the fund must assist all individuals adversely affected by
the September 11th attacks without regard to sexual orientation or biological relationship.
At some carriers represented by AFA, domestic partners are included in benefit and survivor packages.
Clearly, companies have recognized the reality of family structures and relationships in today's society.
It is important that when implementing the Fund, the Department must also recognize these relationships
and provide compensation to individuals that were economically and emotionally dependent on the
victim.
In conclusion, while we support the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, we believe it is crucial
that all surviving family members, including same-sex partners and non-biological children of those who
lost their lives, have access to compensation from the Fund.
Sincerely
Comments by
Association of Flight Attendants
Washington, DC