What Should The U.S. Do With bin Laden Reward Money?

The death of Osama bin Laden last week has raised more questions than it answered. Fears of another terror attack in the city are on the rise in many areas, and victims of the terror attacks of 2001 are still seeking a measure of closure with the tenth anniversary approaching. One additional concern: what will the United States do with the up to $50 million in reward money that is unlikely to ever be paid out?

According to CBS News, White House Press secretary Jay Carney confirmed earlier this week that no one person eligible for the funds individually located the terrorist leader.

“As far as I'm aware, no one knowledgeably said, 'Oh, Osama bin Laden's over here in Abbottabad at 5703, you know, Green Avenue,'" the news outlet wrote in a story on Tuesday.

Some of New York’s political leaders are saying the money should be used to compensate the victims of the attacks.

Anthony Weiner spoke on the subject earlier this week.

“Now that the White House has made it clear the bounty on the head of Osama Bin Laden will likely never be paid out, there’s no reason to keep that $50 million sitting unused in a bank account,” Weiner said.

He added that with so many first responders in dire need, leaving  millions of dollars in federal funds untouched shouldn’t be an option.

“Let’s give this money to help those who deserve it most – the survivors, families and first responders whose lives were forever changed on 9/11.”

Weiner and Manhattan congressman Jerry Nadler are set to introduce legislation that would authorize the redirection of those funds to organizations that aid victims and first responders.

"I urge the State Department to distribute the reward money to established organizations and institutions which provide services and programs to the 9/11 community," Nadler said.