Why It Matters

Kreindler & Kreindler is lobbying to expand compensation for terrorism victims as Congress considers legislation to resolve administrative bottlenecks in the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. The firm’s clients—likely including 9/11 families and Pan Am Flight 103 victims—face a legislative opportunity: the Justice Department has announced $940 million in forfeited Binance assets available for distribution, but intra-agency disputes over victim eligibility have stalled payments. Bills like the American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act and the Fairness for Khobar Act aim to statutorily clarify who qualifies for compensation. By hiring OnMessage Public Strategies alongside NVG LLC, Kreindler & Kreindler is pursuing a dual-track strategy to build bipartisan congressional support.

By the Numbers

Kreindler & Kreindler paid OnMessage Public Strategies $60,000 for the fourth quarter lobbying, after spending $50,000 with NVG LLC in the second quarter of 2025. This represents a shift to diversifying its lobbying approach across multiple firms simultaneously.

The firm is a relative newcomer to organized lobbying, with documented activity beginning in 2025. The firm added Thomas Powell Binion to its OnMessage team, a former House Republican Legislative Director with expertise in government oversight and international affairs.

The firm now competes alongside other major law firms. Wiggins Childs Pantazis Fisher Goldfarb LLC spent $180,000 across three quarters in 2024-2025, while Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP deployed $120,000 early this year.

The Agenda

Kreindler & Kreindler, a prominent law firm representing terrorism victims, hired OnMessage Public Strategies for $60,000 in the last quarter of 2025, focusing on "Foreign Relations" and "Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice."

The firm is advocating amid active congressional consideration of terrorism victim compensation bills. The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act and the Fairness for Khobar Act aim to expand compensation for victims of state-sponsored terrorism. There’s also movement on the Justice for the Living Victims of Lockerbie Act, which would provide compensation to Pan Am pilots affected by the 1988 bombing—a case Kreindler & Kreindler has long handled.

Broader Context

Kreindler & Kreindler’s lobbying push arrives amid significant congressional momentum. The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act has attracted over 70 House cosponsors, signaling strong bipartisan support. A critical catalyst is $940 million in forfeited Binance assets that could fund expanded payouts to eligible claimants.

However, the Government Accountability Office determined that 274 survivors of the 1983 Beirut barracks and 1996 Khobar Towers bombings should receive additional "catch-up" payments, but Justice Department administrative procedures have created obstacles.

Between The Lines

Congress is actively advancing multiple bills to expand terrorism victim compensation. Key congressional voices are publicly championing these efforts. Senator John Cornyn has repeatedly urged passage, framing it as a moral obligation to 9/11 families. Representative Josh Gottheimer is a leading Democratic sponsor.

Implementation challenges remain due to competing interests among victim groups—particularly between 9/11 advocates and Beirut/Khobar survivors—adding complexity to legislative design.

Competitive Landscape

Kreindler & Kreindler operates within a crowded field of law firms pushing similar legislative outcomes. Wiggins Childs Pantazis Fisher Goldfarb LLC has spent $180,000 across three quarters lobbying through Klein/Johnson Group LLC. Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP hired Platinum Advisors DC LLC and spent $120,000 specifically supporting H.R. 1530.

The collective spending represents sustained advocacy directed at Congress, indicating high-stakes legislation with multiple interested parties vying for favorable treatment.

The Bottom Line

Kreindler & Kreindler has hired OnMessage Public Strategies for $60,000 to lobby on victim compensation issues as Congress considers several bipartisan bills to expand compensation for state-sponsored terrorism victims. The firm is simultaneously employing multiple lobbying teams in a competitive landscape where other law firms are pursuing similar legislative goals. Congressional momentum exists, but implementation remains complicated by agency disagreements over victim eligibility.

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