Case Update January 19, 2024

Case Update   January 19, 2024

We write to provide you with an update regarding the potential for victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing to remotely access proceedings in the case of United States v. Abu Agila Mohammed Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi.  On October 13, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice transmitted to Congress proposed legislation that, if passed, would provide statutory authority for the District Court overseeing the court case to provide victims of the Pan Am 103 bombing remote video and telephonic access to the proceedings.  On December 6, 2023, the U.S. Senate passed that bill by unanimous consent with one minor amendment.  On December 11, 2023, the same bill, labeled H.R. 6714, was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. On January 18, 2024, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6714 by a vote of 413-7.  Presentment to the President is scheduled for January 19, 2024. Beginning at midnight on the day of Presentment, the President will have 10 days, excluding Sundays, to either sign or veto the bill.  If he does not sign or veto during those 10 days, then it automatically becomes law as long as Congress is in session. 

We note that Department of Justice personnel are constrained by federal statute in what we say about pending legislation, so we ask for your understanding that we may be limited in our ability to respond to any questions you may have about this proposed legislation.  Public information about the House bill can be found online at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6714?s=1&r=3.   The Department of Justice will continue to send updates as they are available.