Chairman Graham Applauds Committee Passage of Bill to Allow Americans to Sue China Over Coronavirus Pandemic

WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the Committee approved the Civil Justice for Victims of COVID Act (S. 4212). The Civil Justice for Victims of COVID Act would allow American citizens to sue China in federal court for damage done to their families and businesses by the coronavirus.

The committee approved the bill by a vote of 13-9. Graham is a cosponsor of the legislation. 

The legislation is modeled after the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which allowed lawsuits against officials in Saudi Arabia that were allegedly involved with the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“I’m very pleased that the Senate Judiciary Committee reported out the Civil Justice for Victims of COVID Act that would allow American citizens to sue China for damage done to their families and businesses from the coronavirus.

“It is clear to me that the Chinese Communist Party deceived the world and manipulated information about coronavirus. China restricted travel within China to slow the spread, but allowed people from China to travel throughout the world increasing the spread.

“To those who have suffered from the coronavirus, your suffering is directly related to the outrageous behavior of the Communist Party of China. China was negligent in dealing with the origins of the virus and deceiving the world about the nature of the virus.  Americans deserve their day in court.

“I promised to hold China accountable for coronavirus and I am.”