Compensation still issue for survivors of the victims.(Main)

Byline: HOWARD WITT Chicago Tribune

OKLAHOMA CITY - What is the value of an American life claimed by terrorists? The answer, it turns out, depends on where and when you die.

Congress gave the families of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks generous federal compensation payments. Most ended up millionaires.

Congress gave the families of victims of the April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City bombing a two-year reprieve on their federal income taxes. Some ended up losing their homes.

The families of victims of future terrorist attacks may get nothing at all.

For all the nation's focus on homeland security and the probability that the United …