Emerald Coast Times

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) has introduced the "Saudi Arabia December 6, 2019, Anti-Terror and Accountability Act," a legislation aimed at holding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia responsible for its involvement in the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola in Florida.

The attack, which took place four years ago, claimed the lives of three U.S. Navy sailors and left several others injured. Congressman Gaetz's proposed legislation seeks to provide financial support to the victims and ensure accountability for the Saudi government's role in aiding and abetting the attack.

In his statement, Congressman Gaetz expressed his determination to bring justice to the victims and their families. He said, "My legislation holds Saudi Arabia accountable and puts an end to the exchange programs with them. More importantly, the bill will help give justice and financial help to the survivors and grieving families of the terror attack victims."

The legislation includes several key provisions, including ending support to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, halting military officer-exchange programs with Saudi Arabia, and prohibiting the export of weapons and munitions to the country. It also authorizes the victims of the NAS Pensacola attack to seek damages from the Saudi Arabian government through the Justice for United States Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund.

To support the compensation for the victims, Congressman Gaetz proposes withdrawing $1 billion from U.S. military aid to Ukraine and depositing the same amount into the Justice for United States Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund. Additionally, any remaining unused funds would be made available to victims of state-sponsored terror, including those affected by the September 11th attacks.

In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, Congressman Gaetz also requested a National Day of Remembrance to honor the victims and surviving family members of the 2019 terrorist attack. The letter urged President Biden to order flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide on December 6th, the anniversary of the tragic event.

Since the attack, concerns have been raised about the insufficient vetting of foreign students and their access to military bases. Congressman Gaetz's legislation aims to address these issues and ensure that foreign individuals with radicalized views are not granted entry to U.S. military facilities.

The full text of Congressman Gaetz's bill can be found [HERE](link), and the full text of the letter to President Biden can be found [HERE](link).

For updates on Congressman Gaetz's efforts, interested individuals can subscribe to his newsletter [HERE](link).

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To learn more, click on this link: https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gaetz-reintroduces-legislation-hold-saudi-arabia-accountable-2019