Title 22, Foreign Relations and IntercourseRelease 119-110
§5503 Department of State Notification of Families of Victims
Title 22 › CHAPTER 64 — UNITED STATES RESPONSE TO TERRORISM AFFECTING AMERICANS ABROAD › § 5503
Summary
The Department of State must quickly and directly inform families when a U.S. citizen is affected by an aviation disaster abroad. That notice must include a prompt written message, and the State Department must do this even if someone else has already told the family. The Secretary of State had to issue rules, guidelines, and circulars to carry out this policy no later than 60 days after November 16, 1990.
Full Legal Text
Title 22, §5503
Foreign Relations and Intercourse, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Department of State policy
It is the policy of the Department of State pursuant to section 2715 of this title to directly and promptly notify the families of victims of aviation disasters abroad concerning citizens of the United States directly affected by such a disaster, including timely written notice. The Secretary of State shall ensure that such notification by the Department of State is carried out notwithstanding notification by any other person.
(b)Department of State guidelines
Not later than 60 days after November 16, 1990, the Secretary of State shall issue such regulations, guidelines, and circulars as are necessary to ensure that the policy under subsection (a) is fully implemented.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
22 U.S.C. § 5503
Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110