A004595
14 December 2001
The Honorable Philip J. Perry
Acting Associate Attorney General
United States Department of Justice
10th and Constitution Avenue
Washington, DC 20530
Dear Mr. Perry:
I am writng to you on behalf of two dear neighbors and friends, , whose home is several doors down from mine. On September 11, 2001, ,
an analyst for the , was killed when American
Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon.
At that moment, lost her partner of eighteen years.
And in the past few months, through her grief, has remained the same wonderful
neighbor and friend--taking part in community events, helping prepare for the arrival of a
new baby on our block, keeping the keys to half the houses in the neighborhood, as people
ask her to keep an eye out for their homes while they are away.
But among all the activities and thoughts that occupy her, has one additional burden
not faced by many families struck by the attack on our country--financial uncertainties were
created by the death of and, at present, is not considered eligible for help by the
Federal Victim's Compensation Fund.
I am writing to ask that you consider making certain that the Compensation Fund specifies
that domestic partners, personal representatives, or the estate of those who were killed in the
September 11th tragedy be eligible to seek financial help from the Fund. Friends like mine,
deep in their grief, should not be burdened by questions about how to pay their mortgage
this month, or which bill might be put off a little longer.
You will find attached a list of individuals who agree with these sentiments, and have signed
their names in support of including this wording in applying the Federal Victims'
Compensation Fund. I thank you in advance for your efforts to make certain that friends
like will soon be aided by the Fund.
Respectfully,
Individual Comment
University Park, MD