S. 2040: Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act

114th Congress · introduced 2015-09-16 · Crime and Law Enforcement · Latest: Became Public Law No: 114-222.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2015-09-16 · official record
Who proposed it: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: 2 recorded votes in our records. Latest: House roll call 564 (2016): On Passage, The Objections of the President to the Contrary Notwithstanding, S2040 (2016-09-28), Passed. See all
Where it stands now: Became Public Law No: 114-222. (final step reached)
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act

Plain summary

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on May 17, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (Sec. 3) This bill amends the federal judicial code to narrow the scope of foreign sovereign immunity (i.e., a foreign state's immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts). Specifically, it authorizes federal court jurisdiction over a civil claim against a foreign state for physical injury to a person or property or death that occurs inside the United States as a result of: (1) an act of international terrorism, and (2) a tort committed anywhere by an official, agent, or employee of a foreign state acting within the scope of employment. International terrorism does not include an act of war. Federal court jurisdiction does not extend to a tort claim based on an omission or an act that is merely negligent. A U.S. national may file a civil action against a foreign state for physical injury, death, or damage as a result of an act of international terrorism committed by a designated terrorist organization. (Sec. 4) The bill amends the federal criminal code to impose civil liability on a person who conspires to commit or aids and abets (by knowingly providing substantial assistance) an act of international terrorism committed, planned, or authorized by a designated terrorist organization. (Sec. 5) It establishes exclusive federal court jurisdiction over civil claims under this bill. It authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to intervene in civil proceedings to seek a stay. A court may grant the stay if the Department of State certifies that the United States is engaged in good-faith discussions with the foreign state to resolve the civil claims. (Sec. 7) This bill's amendments apply to a civil claim: (1) pending on or commenced on or after enactment; and (2) arising out of an injury to a person, property, or business on or after September 11, 2001.

Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

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What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law)

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The strongest published arguments

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] · 25 cosponsors

Cost estimate: CBO cost estimate: S. 2040, Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (2016-02-16)

Cosponsors on this site

Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mike Lee (R-UT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Christopher A. Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)

Sponsor's campaign money: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] reported raising $8.6 million (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

Recorded votes

House roll call 564 (2016): On Passage, The Objections of the President to the Contrary Notwithstanding, S2040 (2016-09-28): Passed
Senate vote 148 (2016): On Overriding the Veto, S2040 (2016-09-28): Veto Overridden

Words on this page, explained (3)

Authorization: A law that creates or continues a government program and says what it may do, often with a suggested spending ceiling. An authorization alone does not provide money; a separate appropriation does.
Bill: A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).
Jurisdiction: The area or the matters a government or court has authority over.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-114s2040.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/114/s>

Record fed-us-cong114-s2040 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong114 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong114