Emergency Justification

Justification for Emergency Approval Request

Emergency approval of the September 11^th Victim Compensation Fund Claimant Registration Form is requested given the high-profile and time-sensitive nature of this program. The potential compensation recipients have already experienced hardship, and have waited years for the opportunity to receive compensation for the harm they suffered as a result of the September 11^th terrorist attacks. The Zadroga Act originally called for the Fund to open in July 2011, but the opening was delayed due to lack of funding. Accordingly, the Attorney General has publicly stated that the Fund will be “up and running” when administrative funds became available at the beginning of October. Additionally, the Final Rule governing the administration of the Fund, which was published in the Federal Register on August 31, 2011, is effective October 3. Thus, it is important to make the registration form publically available by that time.

Delaying the publication of the forms associated with the Victim Compensation Fund would harm the public’s interest in beginning operation of the Fund as soon as possible and insure consistency with the effective date of the Final Rule. In addition, a delay will prevent the Department from accomplishing its stated goal of allowing victims to begin to submit claims in October 2011. Meeting this intended start date is consistent with the priorities of the Administration and the Fund’s Special Master.

Timeline

The following timeline is based on receiving emergency approval of the form.

October 3, 2011 Make Registration Form available to the public.

October/November 2011 Review Registration Forms; publish Eligibility and Compensation Form