A decades-old pact has long blocked the 53 hostages taken captive in Iran or their families from seeking recompense since their 1981 release. On Wednesday, the 35th anniversary of their freedom, they celebrated a novel workaround of that law engineered by Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson.
The year-end budget includes enough funding to provide 52 of the hostages $4.4 million each – or $10,000 for every day they were held hostages - and a lesser amount for a 53rd hostage released earlier for medical reasons. And all eligible spouses and children of the hostages will receive a $600,000 lump sum payment. The funds are set to be disbursed later this year.
“Today’s a day that many thought would never actually happen,” said Isakson. “We finally are able to announce the compensation to those who were held hostage and those who were treated so brutally by the Iranians.”
Tom Lankford, an attorney for the hostages, said 15 of them have died since the crisis was resolved and 14 others are older than 78.
Joe Hall, a Lenox, Ga. resident, was beaten, handcuffed and starved during his captivity. The 66-year-old said he didn't need the money - but his grandchildren and other relatives do to go to college.
“I don’t know that money is the balm for everything that burns us," he said. "But short of an apology from Iran, this is pretty special.”
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