Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:38:58 AM ,November 20, 2016 Time to fix JASTA Ken GeOrgevits Now that Election Day has come and gone. it is time to get back to DO. arid ?xthe Justice Against-Spensers of Terrorism Act. A core tenet of international law, stretching back generation?s, i_s that a nation is immune from lawsuits in courts of another nation; a country ShoUId not use its courts to litigate against other nations.- There are several reasons why an alternative is n?e?e?ded.. First, JASTA Will uridermineour ability to defend our interests around the world. In their questforjustice against terrorism. Congress opened the door'for United States military personnel and gdver?nme?nt of?cials to be more vulnerable to unscrupulous lawsuits?in farsign lands. The principle known as sovereign immunity has gavem?ejd relations between nation states for oentUries. It holds-th?thv?rnmehts cannot litigate for civil wrongs with'out?their consent, ln? international relations, sovereign immunity preserves the right and responsibility of governments to settle disputes With other governments on behalf of their citizens. The United States military, the Department of?_State and our'intelligence agencies hate people performing duties vital to our national security around the world. i understand the political context in which JASTA passed both chambers with bipartisan support. HdWev'er, as rheri?iber's return for alameduck sessibn, it would be prudent to correct election-.yearmisdeeds, With repeat legislation that protects our men and women serving abroad. *9 This is distributed blows on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, 0.0. Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:38:58 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:00 AM G?be?antte JASTA's negative?cons'equences Don Pugsley It is easy to understand that the United States Congress Would want to stand behind the-families of the people whorlost their lives in the terrorist attacks-of Sept. 11. 2001. But the Congress chose the wrong vehicle when it passed. over President Barabk Obama's veto. the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). In fact, JASTA could undermine cur ability to defend our'interests anywhere in the World. in their quest justice against terrorism. the congress may be making the United States more vulnetable in it, The principle of sovereignimrnunity has governed relations between states-for centuries. It holds th'atgov?'rnments cannot besued for civil wrongs without their consent. In international relations. it-preserves the right and responsibility of governments to settle disputes with Other - governments on behalf of their citizens It prevents a potentially chaotic state 'of affairs In which individuals bring Suits against governments throughout the world fer any number of real or imagined wrongs. By allowing the families to bringsuit in federal court against the govemm'entof?SaUdi Arabia for involvement in the attacks, JASTA would gut the principle of sovereign immunity. It could also encourage other countries to bring Americans before foreign courts for carrying out their of?cial duties and even make the U. S. government responsible for acts of private citizens. Ironically it pr_obably wiill prodL'Ice neither justice nor satisfaction for the families. The UnIted States military, the Department of State and our intelligence agencies have people performing important dutiesaround the World. Without sovereign immunity. other countries could prosecute them or allow their citizens to ?le suit against them or the US. government in their courts, Whether the allegations have rnjefritojr not is immaterial; What matters is that they would be subjectto local courts not just'in' Canada or Germany. but even potentially in places like Pakistan, "Fluesia or Venjejztijela. Remember. there is no evidence that the government-cf 'SaudiArabia was complicit in the attacks of 9111. yet the families-want to bring suit against it. If a foreign government chooses to exercise jurisdiction over US. Service members. the Service members could be held in civil or criminal contempt should they refuseto appear or otherwise comply with the fbreign court's orders: This-could subject the United States tomcnetary damages. which could lead to attempts to seize military properly Overseas. It would also have a chilling effect on the performance of our personnel. who would always have to be concemed about potential legal liability. If a US. Service member were tried in a foreign 'court, it would be up to that court to decide whether classi?ed or sensitive US. Government information-woqu be required as part of-the clas?si?ed of sensitive infor'in'atiOn or subject a US. Service member- to an adverse foreign court ruling. including prison. Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:00 AM Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:00 AM No nation wants this. In fact, several countries have raised their deep concernsaoout JASTA with the United States gOve'rnment, including the Gulf Cooperation Cdunbil, the European Union,? the Netherlands,'Turkey and Pakistan? countries where many thousands of us, sen?ricemen and WOmen are or have been present. The true intent of many members of Congress may be to give the families-the means to extract settlement out of court, which. is so often the ease in Civil litigation. Bat civil litigation is a poor substitute, especially if it handcuffs and threatens-our military, diplomatic and intelligence personnel overseas and makes it more dif?cultfo'r us to defend the nation. This is distributed by on behab? of the/loyal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is avaiiabie at the Department of Justice, Washingtan, D. C. Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:00 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:01 AM .alw November 22- 2016 Us, anti-terror legislation risks eroding international Sovereignty Ambassador AdeLIlrahma"n S. Anti-terrorism legislation in the United States risks undermining the sovereignh/ of other countries, despite opposition by the current president legal experts and numerous intem'ational governments including the EU, Writes Abdulrahrnan Alahm?ed. On 28 September the US Congress enaeted the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act security of?cials and experts the EU and numetous foreign governments and business leaders: President Obama Used his prerogative to veto the bill but. for the ?rst time' In his administration Congress everr'ode the presidential veto. The bill originally conceived in the context of the 9111 terrorist attacks against the United States horrendous acts that our kingdom has ?rmly condemned on several Occasions. opens the door to awsUits against any country, and ultimately its personnel and fails to foresee the unintended consequence: the undermining of the global legal order and internatienIaIl relations. JASTA effectively strips other countries of their sovereign immunity in the US, exposing them to private lawsuits in American courtrooms. As the passing of JASTA is a global issue-that should be of concern to each and every country due to'its fundamental erosion of the basic principles of international law. The direct results oIf?the bill are already becoming clear. The controversial legiSIatio?n Will undoubtedly put: a. burden on bilateral relations. between States as well as on the international order. Rather'tIheIn relying on national security, foreign-poliey and intelligence pfro'fesjsibnals to detennine whether a state sponsors terrorism, JASTA effectiIiely hands oVer this important responsibility to private litigants, juries consisting Of American citizens and US Courts who could mount cases With th'readba'i?e evidenbe or accusations. We must ask ourselves whether we are willing to open up this Pandora' 5 Box at the risk of destabilising international cooperation in the tight against terrorism. This is not. as might be believed an isolated view unique to Sa'udi Arabia. Broad support has emerged In favour of- amending JASTA to address harmful "unforeseen consequences. A multitude of voieesI in the international community from the Arab League. the OIC and other international organisations representing nearly 90 corintries have spoken 'out. against JASTA. They warn against the erosion of sovereign immunity and decry the bill as potentially damaging mutual trust between states and adversely affecting all areas of international cooperation. Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:01 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:01 AM In October the European. Parliamentary Research ServIc'e published an analytiCal brie?ng underscoring several critical points concerning unforeseen Consequences for EU member States. WIth a view to restricting the scope of the bill and its far-reaohiIrIgI unintended conseqUences the EU and its member states should consider taking diplomatic. and parliamentary actions to More specifically, the EU which already expressed its reserve about the bill before its adoption could urge the US Congress to restore the operative Foreign sovereign lImmunities Act provision that JIAISTA withdrew The timescale for the current Congress to make such change Is tight; and without further authoritative calls for change the biil continues to jeopardise the. global legal order and international relations. It Is oUr hope that wisdom will prevail and that Congress will take the necessary steps to correct this legislation to mitigate its scope and avoid the serious unintended consequences that may ensue. Abdulrahman Alahmed is Saudi Arabia?sambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and head of his country?s mission to the U. This is distributed by Qorvls on behol)? of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.- Ao?ditionoi information is av'oiiobie at the Department of Justice, Washington, D. Received by Registration .Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:01 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Open Letter to Congress from U.S. Militant Veterans: Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham recently took a stand on behalf of Veterans whenthey introduced a proposal to ?x the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act This amendment is necessary forour country 5 national security, our counterterrorism. efforts, and, most importantly, the safety and wellbeing of our service men and women. We ask that Congress supports this proposal to ?x JASTA. The original JASTA legislation, while Well-intentioned, guts the essential principle of sovereign immunity, opening the door to lawsuits against all countries, including the U.S. Our country has the largest international footprint in the world, meaning more exposure for our. service men and women knowingly involved' in terrorist activities. Without this provision, U. S. military, diplomatic and intelligence personnel could be tried in foreign courts for doing theirj obs. The- last-survivin?g recipient of the Medal of Honor from the Battle of Mo im'a during World War II, Hershel "Woody" Williams, recently wrote, ?It is very dif?cult for me to fathom what our members of Congress were thinking in creating a law that Will have as its ultimate outcome the placing of our servicemen and women?and all of the civilian diplomatic and intelligence-gathering support that military personnel Will need?at litigious risk around the world. This' is. simply not good policy for our soldiers and must not happen. The Graham- McCain amendment 15 the right of 9/1 1 victims to seelc justice. We hope you cornider our nation?s veterans and support this plan to ?x JASTA. Sincerely, Colonel Terry Thrall U.S. Anny, Ret. Arizona Sergeant Mary Chapeau U.S. Air Force, Ret. California SeniOr Airman Paul R. Herman U.S. Air Force, Ret. California Private First Class Peter M.W. McCallister U.S. Army Reserve, Ret. California Major Clayton Smith California Air National Guard, Ret. Califomia Petty Of?cer Second Class Ronnie Ja?r?iso'n us. Navy, Ret. California Specialist Stephanie Rascigno US- Army, Rct, California Lieutenant Miller N. Hudson U.S. Navy Reserves, Ret. Colorado Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Captain Adam Lucas Westerman U.S. Air- Force, Ret. Colorado Sergeant Hunter Desperado Ne?risfon U.S. Army, National Guard, Ret. Colorado Corporal Torn Allen Hall U.S. Marine Corps, Ret, Colorado Corporal Efren Balmarez U.S. Marine Corps, Ret. Illinois Major General Ro?n Dardis Iowa National Guard, Ret. Iowa Colonel LaVeme Anderson U.S. Amiy, Ret. Iowa Lieutenant Colonel Aaron. Bau'gher US. Army, Ret. Captain IOhn Thompson Anny, Rat.- Iowa Major Stewart Iverson U.S. Marine Co'rps., Ret. Iowa sergeant Major Don Pugsley U.S..Arfny, Ret. Iowa Specialist Chris Mason U.S. Anny, Ret, Iowa Sergeant Christopher Lane Fasjon U.S..Marine Corps, Ret. Colorado Specialist Angela Sinkovits U.S. Army, Ret. Colorado Airman First Class Wayne Morris U.S. Air Force, Ret. Florida U.S. Marine Corps, Ret. Illinois Brigadier General Don Arinington Iowa Airhtional Guard, Ret. Iowa Colonel Thomas L. Miller U.S. Air Force, Re't. Iowa Captain Jacob Slight U.S. Army, Ret. Iowa Major Robert Gleason U.S. Ret. Iowa Captain Keith Lucht?l U.S. Air Force, Ref. Iowa Sta?' Sergeant Cleon. Babcock U.S. Army, Ret. Iowa Specialist Dylan McDaniel U.S. Army, Ret. Iowa Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM i Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Staff Sergeant Derek Tidball U.S. Army, Ret.. Iowa Sergeant N. Dare U.S. Army, Ret. Iowa Sergeant .Iohn Flannery U.S. Air Force, Ret. Iowa Sergeant Joseph M, Washburtn U.S. Marine Corps, Ret. IoWa Corporal Bernard A. Van Til U.S. Army, Retg. Iowa Corporal Jon McAvoy IoWa Army National Guard, Ret. Iowa Corporal Patrick Wronkiwicz U.S. Marine Corps, Ret. lo'Wa Military Police Daniel Dare U.S. Army, Iowa Specialist Bruce Bradley U.S. A'r'r'ny, Ret. Louisiana Sergeant Ismael Benavidas. US. Army Reserve, Ret. Minnesom Specialist CharlesKuhl U.S. Army, Ret. Minnesota Sergeant Gary Bau'ghjer U.S. Army, Ret. IoWa Sergeant Joshua Dare U.S. Marine Corps, Ret. Iowa Sergeant Ernie Rudolph U.S. Marine Corps, Ret. lowa? Corporal Edgar'Tegtmeier U.S. Army, Ret. Colonel Chuck Larson Sr. U.S. Army Reserve, Ret. Iowa Corporal Bryan Douglas Hgdson U.S. Marine Corps, Ret. Iowa Electrician Second Class Dave Cr?e?ightOn U.S. Navy, Ret. Iowa Technical Sergeant Howard Veeder U.S. Air Force, Ret. Louisiana Airman First. Class William Dante Force, Ret. Massachusetts Staff Sergeant Marcus (301111-0115! US Marine Cerps, Ret. Minnesota Seaman Ray Vinzant U.S. Navy, Ret. Minnesota Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Signalman Seeongd Class Mike Wilhelmi US. Naval Reserve, Ret. Minnesota Master Sergeant Robert Burleson U.S. Air?Force, Ret, North Carolina Sergeant Kevin Gurley US. Marine Corps, Ret. North Carolina Staff Sergeant Chuck Knight US. Marine Corps, Ret. North Carelina Corporal Dominique Simien Army, Ret. North Carolina Airman First Class Daniel G_u_rl_ey US. Air Force, Ret. North Carolina Sergeant Samuel A, Smith US. Army Cavalry, Ret. Commander Mike Christensen US. Navy, Bet, Tennessee Staff Sergeant Richard D. Dunlop, Jr. U.s. Army, Ret. Tennessee Chief Warrant Of?cer, Second Class John Gabriel Macias Marine Corps, Ret. Texas MaSter Chief Petty Of?cer Jose Pablo Amola US. Navy, Ret. Texas Petty Of?cer Third Class Collier Aza're US Navy, Ret. Nevada sergeant Myron Hall Anny, Ret- North Carolina Staff Sergeant Cathy Harper-Burleson US. Air Force, Ret. North Carolina Corporal Eugene curley US Army, Ret. North Carolina Petty Officer Third Class Terry Willis US. Marine Corps, Ret. North Carolina Technical Sergeant Vincent Frost US. Air Force,- North Dakota Air National Guard, Ret. North Dakota General William Conley US. Air Force, Ret. Tennessee First Lieutenant Vernon Gross Army, Ret. Tennessee Chief Pety Of?cer Will Phillips U.S. Navy, Ret. Tennessee Chief Petty'Of?cer Henry Garcia U.S..Navy, Ret. Texas Special Operations Command James McKnight US. Navy Seals, Re't. Texas Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Master Sergeant Butch Hines U.S. Marine Co'r'ps., Ret. Texas Sergeant Major Henry Hemendez U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Sergeant Class Melinda Young-Hunhrey U.S. Army, Re't. TeXas Staff Sergeant Johnny Macias U.S. Navy, Ret?. Texas Staff Sergeant Edward S. Matayka U.S. Army, Ret. Texas sergeant Joshua Beirl U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Sergeant Karen Matayka U.S..Army, Ret. Texas Sergeant Stet/en C. Price Sr. U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Specialist William Stiver U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Sergeant Cody Wegner U.S. Army, Ret, Texas Sergeant Roger D. Willis U.S. Air Force, Ret. Texas Flight Instructor,- Chief Petty Of?cer Lee B. U.S. Anny, Ret, Texas Sergeant Major Elbert Humphrey U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Staff Sergeant Tim Eath?e?rly U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Staff Sergeantlesse Martin U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Staff Sergeant Wayne McCallum U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Sergeant Spencer Lives'a'y U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Sergeant Guillermo Perez U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Sergeant Rudy Rodriguez U.S. Army,- Ret. Texas S?rgeantJosh Trumbowe'r U.S. Army, Ret. Texas Sergeant Ryan Williams U.S. Anny, Ret. Texas Sergeant Mike Downjey U.S. Marine Corps.?, Ret. Texas ReceiVed by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Petty Of?cer..Second Class Frank Villarreal US, Navy, Ret_._ Texas SpecialiSt Brandon out US. Army, Ret. Texas Specialist Mai-tin BeczkieWicz US. Army, Ret; Texas Specialist Brian BronSOn Ret. Texas Private First Class Steven Huerta US. Army, Ret. Texas Specialist John Hemendez, .Sr. US. Army, Ret. Texas Specialist Benjamin Barrera US. Army, Ret. Texas Specialist Gregory Beitemnan US, Army, Ret. Texas Private First Class Caleb Cargill US. Army, Ret. Texas Seaman Ale'Xande?r Chan US. Navy, Ret. Virginia This is distributed by on behaif of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additionai information is avaiiabie at the Department of Justice, Washington, D. C. Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:02 AM Received by Registration UnIit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM 2100 Street IIW, Ste 170-340 washing-ton Inc 20031 November 16, 2016 An Open Letter to Members of Congress: There' Is growing concern among these of us who have served our country that a law passed by Congress In September, the Jastice Against of Terrorism Act (JASTA) places U. 8. service men and women aroI'Ind the world at risk. As veterans we sacri?ce much' In service to our natIiIcn and because of that we are especially sensitive to laws that can increase our vulnerability. We believe that JASTA while providing Americans With some additional options for ciViI litigation places an UndUe amount of risk for U. service members of?cials In foreign service and those who serve in unof?cial capacities. That' Is why, with the elections now behind us we strongly urge Congress to make the repeal of the JASTA a legislative priority' In 2016. While we. certainly support 9/11 families and their right to seekjustice this law is not the correct way to accomplish this. The unintended consequences of JASTA are potentially disastrous. One of the major concerns for veterans impact on the principle of sovereign intelligence of?ces and members of the military for centuries. It' 5 what has prevented U. S. troops from being punished or imprisoned by a foreign country for actions taken in the line of duty. Without sovereign immunity. we expose service members to hostile foreign powers and their brand of ?justice?. The U. S. has a larger international footprint and is more exposed than any other country in the world. If other countries answer JASTA with reciprocal legislation of their own. U. personnel serving abroad will become immediate targets for lawsuits from hostile foreign governments. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Jos'eoh Dunford outlined this concern in his letter to Congress before the veto override vote stating, ?An'y legislation that risks recipmcal treatment by foreign governments would increase the vulnerability of U.S. Service members to foreign legal action while acting in an of?cial capacity.? In fact government factions In Iraq Turkey and even top allies such as France have already advocated _legislation' In their oI'IIvn countries. It Is not dIff cult to see how families of individuals killed' In .U. S. drone strikes could bring a case against members of the U. 8. military. The intent of JASTA was toseek retribution against terrbrists who caused so much pain and suffering here in the US. As veterans, we completely understand this desire. For many of us. 9H1 was a call to protect our nation and do our part to bring'tbose responsible to justice, In Congress' attempt to achieve justice against terrorism, newever it has severely harmed our country? ability to fight it. Now more than ever, the U. S. needs the help of international partners to combat the rise of extremism In September, writing in the Wall Street Journal, Ambassador John Bolton and former Attorney General Michael Mukasey warned, ?We have far more to lose than other nations from creating Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM National Republican Trust PAC 2100 Street NW, Ste 170-340 Wa?shingtofn, DC 20037 exceptions to sovereign immunity that others co'Uld [me against us. There is no shortage of people hostile to America; even in nominally friendly countries, who would welcome Jasta?s- passage.? JASTA was passed through Congress hastily, without a hearing In the House or Senate it then became law despite strenuous warnings from the nation 5 top national security and fbre'ign policy experts. With election season now over we encourage Congress to make this right. There needs to be a solution that provides justice for and recognizes the victims of 9111 but does not completely the protections our service members have while sewing around the globe. We urge Congress to repeal JASTA immediately and ?nd a legitimate way to. support the families of the Victims of 9111 that rests on facts and does not Undermine our ability to project U. 8. power overseas or put our service men and women at risk of. being hauled before foreign courts. our national security and the safety of our military our diplomats and car intelligence of?cer's depend on it. Sincerely, Greg Henderson, NaVy Timothy Stu'enmeyer, Force Diedrich Drafz, US. Army Andrew J.Hopkins, US Air Force National Guard Edward Richardson, SSG. US. Army Richard Gcb'lf?y. USMC John C..Ellingboe, US New Bob Guersch, US. Army DAVID FERRARA, USNAW Richard Linton, US Army 1954-1956 Gerald Misener US Airforce Michael King us?N MICHAEL E. SYRA. us NAW Loyd Baldwin Navy Ron Sellman Navy Robert D. Quinn. US Army Allan Sikorski-USN Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM National Re?p?blica?n Tr?its?t PAC 2100 Street NW, Ste 170-340 Washington, DC 2003? Patrick Burke, US, Army Robert Henson, US Army Sheldon Nothacker US. Army Glen Cowgill Jr, USAF Retired Dwight Freeman. Navy Perry Conn'ally Sr, US Air Force La'ry Hawkins, US. Navy Martha Patton. US Naval Reserve Paul Good, US. Army Kenneth-Mark; US Army (Retired) Frank J. Brooks, US. Army Daniel Wilkil?is USAF Phil W. McConathy, U. 8. Army Reserves 100th Infantry Division 1970-1976. Bruce Bordelon, US. Navy Nelson Haas US. army Karen_Gearreald on behalf of my deceased father. Lt. Col. Tull N. Gearreald, US. Army MSGT ARCHIE COOK USAF RET Daniel Truelove. USAR Bruce Holopter, U. 8. Army Lloyd Treadwell. US. Marine Corp Charles Fiaccabrino, United States Navy Thomas Coplin Walter J. Murphy J_r. United States Marine Corps Robert Hahn ll. United States Navy (Ret) John Lott USMC Robert Hunter McMillan USNR Received by Registration Un?it 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM National Republican Trust PAC- 2100 Street NW, Ste 170-340 Washington, DC 20037 Michael A Richno. Army WilZliarn S. Slaytgn, US. Army Allen C. Jacobs, Jr. U. S. Army Jae Floyd US. Army John J. V?l?ritin?e, USAF Ron Sullivan, USMC. Robert Weidig, U.S. AIR FORCE BMC-thn V. Vi?t Nam Veteran ?10110 Fargn'qli. US. New I Dan Duhe. US Army Je'r'ry Hare, marines, Army Lawrence E. veubel, US Arr?y Lavern E. Martinez, US Marines Charles E. Rouse, Navy Narman 'Boyden. US Army Mike Landry. USMC Gafr?tdett, US Afr?y Sieglinde Army Leland Alan Aber, USAF Tom Craig?A. Hollingshead,- USAF Retired Jerry McIntyre. US Navy Cajrl'Schneider, US Navy Leon Den?h?ue, Uriite'd States Air Force Sam Si'nderson, US. Army Melvin D. US Air Force Received by Reg?iStration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM National lie'pu biker) Trust PAC 2100 street Nw, Ste 170-340 washingtett, DC 20037 Federico Garcia, Army Kathy L. summers (Ret) Army Donald T. Duffy, US Navy IHomer Wertz?, Jr, US Army Martin Wells, US Navy Ward (3. Brunkow, US Army National Guard Of?cer TSGT Brooke Biehl. us Air ForcelArrn'y James Koriesky. US Army Jerry Haralsdn, USNR John C. Mooney, United States Air Force Keith S. Sa?ord, US. Army Infantry Kenneth Garbjer, USMC Kenneth D. Keith, AF Leon Roy Brown, USN John L. Brown, US. Navy Captain Mario Fiori, USN (retired) Mel Davis, US Army. US Air Force Michele A waiter, USAF Mickey J. Wilson, us Air Force Capt James Greba's. Howard M. McDaniel. US Navy (retired) Herbert .G. Flavell, USMC and US Army Gary'Bloqm, 1??t LT, Us Army Ml Frank G. Ts'utras. US Air Forcfe Jerry Ahier, US Army Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM Natienal Republican Irust PAC 2100 Street NW, Ste 170-340 Washington, DC 20037 Roberf J. Laporta, US Navy Earl? Mason. US Army Ben Mathews, USMC and Arizona National Guard James Marie, US Arrny Bem?a'rd W. Hite. US Army Robert W. Tuleya, US Marine Corps Bobby Piequn, US. Army Russeli'Abe'I, USAF Rich BUII. U.S. Ar?iy Charles 'Stmen'see, USMC Daniel A. Bazikian. US. Army Richard Schneider, USAF Emil Deemaraje, Army F.E. Honyotsjgi, US Navy Colo?n?el Jon' Pele Hellabeug'h, USMCR (Ret) Paul Bonanno (US Air Force) Paul?Tiramani. US Army Ranzy Luster. US. Army Raymond Mating. LLS Army Richard Sprom, US. Army AWC Roman Unjde?ey. USN Ronald L. Raymond. USAF Sherma'n L. Watson. US. Air Force Stephen Miley, US. Navy Stephen G, Layton, USN Tho'm'as M. Fle'n?iing, US Army Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM Received'by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM National Re?ptrb'lican Trust?PAC 2100 MStreet NW, Ste 170-340 Washington, DC 2003'] Thomas Richmond, United Sates Marine Corps I Paral v. Fa'ris. srosc Us Navy (retired) Wayne He'n'r?iie. us. New Douglas Howe, US Air Force Daniel Kennedy U. 8. Army Robert Holzer US. Army Reserve Kenneth Maeiejeweki Air Force Ronald Linden, US. Army William A Wied'er'go'tt, Jr.. Navy John Roller, US Army. Dale Johnson, United States Air Force Renald?Ljnden, US. Army JOhn F. Filoh, US AIR FORCE William T. Douglass, Marine Corps Elder, US Anny 196i-1970 Stephen Bronson. 8 Air Force John Riehl. USMC Llo'yd AspinWall, USMC STEVEN US ARMY This is distribated by Qarvis on behalf of the Royal Embassy of SaadiArabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D. C. Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:03 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:04 AM Open Letter to Congress from Combat Wounded Purple Heq'rt Veterans: On November 30, Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain stood up for Vetera nsand introduced a plan to fix the Ustice Again'St Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JAST A.) While we understand and appreciate the search fbr'justice for victims of terrorism, amending this legislation in order to protect thoSe who serve the U.S..abroad is vitally important to our national seeprity. We Urge to support this proposal wholehea rtedly. senator Graham argued in his testimony that JASTA would inspire retaliatory lawsuits from foreign entities. If changes are n'o_t'mede to limit liability under JASTA to only engage with a terrorist organization directly or indirectly,? then the US. could be held liable for drone attacks or other cou nterterrorism campaigns. wecannot'have US. military, diplomatic and intelligence personnel being tried in foreign courts for doing theiriobs. We, as Purple Heart veterans, are especially concerned with the consequences of JASTA due to our on the-ground engagement withthe enemy in a fbreign-state. Any potential actions by a ioreig'n s?t??t?earid/dr its citizens will no doubt target those of us who were involved in loss of life, even though justified, andthe destruction of Civilian ?r'op?rty in the heat-of battle. Senators Graham and McCain are not alone in their concern or in their desire to ?nd a solution. Im mediatejy after the override, a bipartisan group of '28 Senators signed a letter acknowledging the legislation?stlevjvs and vowing to ?fix?'it. Majority Leader McConnell said there might be "unintended consequences? and ?thefb'all was dropped? and that it onId be ?worth further discussing" changes to the legislation..Speaker Paul Ryan stated, "i'd like to thinkthere is a way we could ?x the new So that our service members do not-.havelegal matters overseas, while still protecting the rights of the 9/ 11 victims.? Why Would Congress consider a law thatplaces thebravefmen and women serving abroad at risk? The Graham- Mccain amendment provides a reasonable Solution to consequences on veterans and national security, while-still respecting the right of 9/11 victims to seek justice. It?s timeto ?x this troublesome legislation..We ask that you please support the Graham-McCain amendmenttp ?x JAST A and allow combat wounded veterans like ourselves to sleep easier at night, aswealready'have enough to worry about without having something elseunnecessarily-added to the mix by our own Congress. - Sincerely, Jeremy Jones: Colorado- USA- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in lraq as a result of being hitby shra'pne'l from a rocket propelled grenade an Nov-13, 2004. Lee Brown: Florida- USA- Purple Heart due to being wounded by the enemy in the Libyan Government's bombing of a Berlin discotheque on April 5, 1986. Bill Daniels: Florida- USMC-Wounded In Action by the enemy in Vietnam as a result of a small arms fire on April '14, 1969. terry D. wolf; Florida- USN-Purple Heart due to being In Action, by the enemy in i?etnam as a result of getting shrapnel in his arm from a land mine on April 30, 1969. Matt Bridges: Georgia? USMC- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy due to an IED blast in iraq on April 21, 2005 John Planer: Georgia USA- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Iraq as a result of petrol being hit by an IED bias; on October 2005. Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:04 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:04 AM Bryan Ger: Georsia- USA- PU?rble Heart due to being wounded In Attidn by the enemy in Iraq a result of an IED blast on October 9, 2006, Robert Suesakul: Iowa- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Iraq as a result of being struck by-a landmine on October 6,2003. August DeByser: Louisiana- PurpleHeart due to being Wounded. In Action by the enemy in Afghanistan as a-result of a small arms fire on June 16, 2008. Justin Galipeau: Maine- USMC- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the en'?my in Afghanistan as a reSult of an IED blast and secondary small arms ?re on May 24, 2010. Anthony?webs?ter: Maine- USA- Purple He'art due to being-Wounded In Action by the enemy in Afghanistan as a result of an Improvised Eirplosive Device blast on Aug 9, 2011. Arthur Coleman Maryland- USA- Purple Heart due to being-Wounded in Action by the enemy in Afghanistan as a result of 'an Improvised Explosive Device blast June 6,2005. John Chavez: New Mexico- USA- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Vietnam as a result of being hit by shrapnel from a mortar round-on Noyernber 19, 1968, ran-amysaa'rshan: new ran;- USA- Pu Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Afghanistan as a result of an Im'prbyis?d D'eyioe blast on December 21, 2008. Lenny Lazarra; North Carolina- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action in by theenemy in Vietnam as a result of a small arms fire on March 1, 1968. Will Thompson: Ohio- USA- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Iraq as a result oi being ambushed and hit by an IED blast during an intense ?refight on October 15,2004. Mike Sturgill: Okiahoma- USN- Pu rpie?Heart due to? being wounded In Action by the enemy in Iraq as a result of a mortar attack onIJu_Iy?2?7, 2007. Eddie Wright: Oklahoma- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the'enemy in Afghanistan as a result of mortars on October 26, 2009. ?Todd Shaw: Tennessee- USA- 2 Purple Hearts due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Iraq as a result of an Improvised Explosive Device being detonated on February 20, 2006 from a. mortar on April 14, 2007. Robert Hunt: Tennessee- Purple Heartsdue to being wounded In Action by the enemy in Iraq asa result of being hit by a sniper's bullet and then a secondary IED blast on August 14, 2006. Joe Washam'rTexas- usA- Porple Heart due to being Wounded InnActitin by the enemy in lr'aq as a.res:ult of a detonation o'f ekplosiy'e?s at a known chemical weapons plant which inflicted him with burns over forty percent of his body and 'sh'rapnel wounds on April 26, 2004. Butch Hines: Texas- First Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by theenemy in-Vietnam as a result of shrapnel in hisarm, back and face from a band . grenade that was thrown in battle on February 17, 1969. His second Purple Heart is due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Vietnam as a result of shrapnel in the face and arm from a land mind wire on November 14, 1969. Carlos Velasquez Nunez: Texas- USA- Purple Heart due . to being Wounded In Action 119th? eriettiy in Vietnam as a result of mortar round ground attack on February 23, 1.969.- . Piacldo Salazar: 'Ifexas- USAF- Purple Heartdue to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Vietnam as a result of enemy attack on August 21, 1965. John Sokol: Washington- USA- Purple Heart due to being . Wounded in Action by the enemy in Iraq as a result of a landmine on October 13, zaps. Hershel w. (Woody) Williams: West Virginia- USMC- Purple Heart dueto being Wounded in Action by the enemy in world War II as-a result of machine gun ?re on Volcano Island (Iwo Jima) on March 6, 1945. Doug Alderton:-Wisoonsln- Purple Heart due to being Wounded in Action by the enemy in Afghanistan as a result of a RPG ?re on October 2, 2009. Kitten instant wi?bo?sln- USA- PU?rhle Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Iraq as a result of small arms ?re on July.27, 2005. Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:04 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:04 AM Ryan Baudhuln: Wisconsin? Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Afghanistan as aresuit of shrapnel from a mortar round on December 2, 2004. Joseph Brennan: Wisconsin- USA- Purple Heart due to being-Wounded In Action by the enemy in Afghanistan as a result of small arms ?re on October 15,1201 1. Michael Brennan: Wisconsin- USA- Gold Star Father. He Brenna-n, received the Purple Heart Posthiurnously after I_n_Action on October 26, 2007 during-a ?re?ght with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Ganem: Wisconsln- Wounded In Action by i the enemy due to an Improvised Explosive Device b'eing detonated in Iraq on November 25, 2004 Chad Garcia: Wisconsin- USA- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Iraq asa result of hitting an anti-personnel landmine on November 15, 2003. Gregory Haak: Wisconsln- Wounded In Action by the enemy in Iraq as a result of an Improvised Explosive Device being detonated on January 26, 2003. Wayne Wisconsin- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Vietnam as a result of hitting-a landmine while driving an armored personnel carrier on April 14,1968. Scott 'Kruchtenrw'isconsin- USMC- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Iraq aS?a result of two 15'5mm Artillery Shells being detonated under his Humvee on November 8, 2004. - Bill Lobeck': Wiscbn?sin- Purple Heart due to being WOun'ded In Action 3 times by the ej'ierriy in Vietnam as a result of small arms and shrapnel from rbcket blast on February 8, 1968, March 20, 1968-, and April 15, 1968. Matt Tennessen: Wisconsin- USA- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Afghanistan as a result of an IED blast on April 12, 2009.. Daniel Tinsley: Wisconsin-?USA- Purple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in?lraq 'as a result of being hit by alrocket on December 20, 2006. George Wachuta: Wisconsin- USA- Pu rple Heart due to being Wounded In Action by the enemy in Vietnam as a result of a small arms ?re on February 18, 1971. Joshua Walker: Purple Heart dUe to being Wdujnded InlAction by the enemy in Iraq as a result at being hit by an IEO blast on January 16, 2005. This is distributed by Qorvis on behalf 'of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information' 18 available at. the Department of Justice, Washington, D. C. Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9. 39:04 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 93:39:05 AM December 1,016 Newly unleashed 9/11 lawsuits threaten our economY: Former Fed governor LaWre'n'ce. B. Lindsey Whether one agrees withDonald Trump?s view of Washington or not, we shou1d have enough introspection to recognize that sometimes things go terribly Wrong here. Usually. they do so because we get sloppy and' Ignore w_h_at' Is often called ?regular order. We usually do so out of political expediency In a panic to deal with an ?emergency. often not a real one; but one that Is the result of a Sudden excess of media and political attention. During the weak of the 15th anniversary cf the 9/11 attacks. Congress passed a bill allowing the families of victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia. for damages. It Would unravel the principle of sovereign imrnL'Inity' In international law. Lawmakers obviously viewed the 9/11 Whatever standards the United States uses to justify private legal action against Saudi Arabia will likely be used against us. And lots of ooUntIies-in the World haVe what they view as legitimate grievances against the United States-and its military. America has the deepest of law than -America?s. The bill never went through the usual procedure of committee markup or floor debate. The Senate had passed the bill in May and sent it to the House in the expectation that leaders would never bring its the'?oor. But they did. And although President Obama vetoed the bill, congress overrode an Obama veto for the ?rst time in his eight years in of?ce. The vote in the Senate was 97-1 and the vote in the HoL'Ijse was 348-77. Then congress Went home to campaign for 're- election. This is the kind of'behavior putting political seif?interesta?bove the national interest that Was so effectively attacked during the campaign. .SI'IbStantive abjeCticns to the law are bipartisan. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker said don't think the Senate nor House functioned _in an appropriate manner as it rotates to a very important. piece of legislation. ..I have tremendous concerns about the. sovereign immunity procedures that would be set.? In place by other countries as a result of this vote." White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest pointed the ?nger directly at congressional irresponsibility: hey voted for a bill that they knew had negative consequences for America' ?atiOnal secL?IrityJ? There Is a real danger from the bill to American servicerhembers who served abroad as well as?to the Treasury. But an even broader problem 'with the law is its potential effect on the gl0bal econoniy. mm the public and the courts in every country on the planet hungry for vengeance, and trial lawyers hungry for revenge the danger for any country to leave assets vulnerable to seizure is quite real, This Is not a hypothetical possibility. This will have signi?cant impacts on car markets as well as drive up Treasury borrowing costs Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:05 AM Received by Registration Unit 12/07/2016 9:39:05 AM Again, AmeriCa is the biggest target and has the deepest pockets of anybne. Already the Iraqis are talking about the events at Abu Ghraib as a possible war crime and suing for damages. What might the Pakistanis say about our attack on their=soil and the deaths that resulted from theraid on. Osama bin Laden? What about Libya or Syria? Central African govemmejnts could Sue France for their various interven'tidns. Argentina couldsue Britain over the Falklands. 'The list. goes on and on.- Th?e end game or this-is that no sensibiegove'mrnent or business would wast to leave assets in another country, where anew ?ood of lawsuits might leave?them vulnerable'to seizure. Cross- borde'r i?v?St'r?ent's in the warld today are in the tiillidris of dollars. An end of the free movement of capital would be, in today's wodd, atleast as important to the health of the global economy as an end to theiree movement of goods. It was not Congress' intention, but bipartisan majorities have given us the eq?uiyalent'of the Smoot-Hawley' Tariff. Should the economy begin to falter next 'year as a result, PreSide'nt-elect Trump would be entirely justi?ed in pointing to?what_ he says is the swamp thatjs Washington and taking his complaints to the codnt'r'y. If you think the an'tieWashington sentiment in the . country is big now. just wait, Of?cial Washington would be wise to drain this part of the swamp now.. This is distributed by Qoniis on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Departm ent of ius rice, Washington, D. C. Received by ARA Registration Unit 12/07/2016