This week, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., brought out the “Saudi Arabia December 6, 2019, Anti-Terror and Accountability Act.”
This week marked the third anniversary of the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida officials are honoring the three sailors killed and eight wounded.
On December 6, 2019, a Saudi national serving in his country’s air force launched the attack, shooting American military personnel. The terrorist was motivated by Islamic extremism, including his opposition to the U.S. due, in part, to its support of Israel.
Gaetz’s office offered the details on what the bill will do.
“This bill will hold the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia accountable for aiding and abetting terrorist attacks within the United States while financially supporting the victims of the NAS Pensacola Terrorist Attack, including the following provisions: ends support to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen; halts any military officer exchange programs with Saudi Arabia; authorizes that the victims of the NAS Pensacola terrorist attack may seek damages from the Saudi Arabian government through 34 USC 20144: Justice for United States Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund; withdraws $1 Billion from U.S. military aid to Ukraine and deposits the same amount to the Justice for United States Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund; makes available any unused funds to all victims of state-sponsored terror to include September 11th victims.”
Gaetz’s bill was sent to the U.S. House Judiciary. Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees. So far, there are no House co-sponsors and no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.