Congress votes to reject President Obama’s veto on 9/11 lawsuit

New York: In a major setback for US President Barack Obama, Congress on Wedneday overturned his veto, passing into law a bill that would allow the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia for its role in the 2001 terrorist attack.

Democrats in massive numbers joined the Rebublicans to deliver a historic rebuke to the President.

Only one senator voted for President while 97 others voted against him. In the House, the veto override was approved a few hours later, 348 to 77.

What is the law?

• The 1976 law of granting broad immunity from American lawsuits would be amended.
• The nations, if involved in terrorist attacks on US soil, would now be sued in federal court.

What Obama said?

• Victims of 9/11 terrorist attack have fought for 15 long years to make sure to those responsible are held accountable.
• Thousands of innocent men, women and children were killed and several thousands were injured.
• We rejoice in this triumph and look forward to our day in court and a time when we may finally get more answers regarding who was truly behind the attacks.
• Enacting JASTA into law, however, would neither protect Americans from terrorist attacks nor improve the effectiveness of our response to such attacks.
• Doing so would instead threaten to erode sovereign principles that protect US, including our Armed Forces and other officials, overseas.
• That is why I vetoed the bill and why I believe you should have voted to sustain the veto.

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