Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act
This act broadens the scope of individuals who are subject to federal prosecution for war crime offenses.
Currently, the federal war crimes statute provides federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses committed anywhere (i.e., inside or outside the United States) if the victim or offender is a member of the Armed Forces or a U.S. national.
First, this act extends federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses committed anywhere to offenses where (1) the victim or offender is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence; or (2) the offender is present in the United States, regardless of the nationality of the victim or the offender.
Second, the act expands federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses to include offenses that occur in whole or in part within the United States, regardless of whether the victim or offender is a member of the Armed Forces, a U.S. national, or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
The act allows an indictment for certain war crime offenses to be instituted any time, making the statute of limitations inapplicable. To undertake a prosecution for war crime offenses, the act requires written certification that prosecution is in the public interest and is necessary to secure substantial justice. The certification is not subject to judicial review.
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S9713-9714)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S9713-9714)
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S9713-9714)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Held at the desk.
Mr. Nadler moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10012-10013)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 4240.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H10012)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H10012)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 117-351.
Became Public Law No: 117-351.
Enacted as Public Law 117-351
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