The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed legislation allowing the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia in U.S. courts, despite the threat by the White House to veto the bill.
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The White House has suggested that President Obama would veto the measure over concerns that it would open the USA up to lawsuits in other countries. The White House had previously indicated that Obama would veto the legislation, citing the concern that it would allow other countries to sue the US. Opponents of the bill said it could strain relations with Saudi Arabia and lead to retaliatory laws targeting U.S. citizens or corporations in other countries. Its passage was greeted with cheers and applause in the House chamber.
President Obama vowed again to reject the measure, but Republicans could overturn one of his vetoes for the first time if they secure enough votes.
It comes after the Senate passed the “Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act” unanimously in May.
The Obama administration has advocated against the bill and hinted that the president may issue a veto, arguing that the legislation could set a president wherein sovereign immunity is jeopardized.
Obama, for his part, said in April, “If we open up the possibility that individuals and the United States can routinely start suing other governments, then we are also opening up the United States to being continually sued by individuals in other countries”.
ThinkProgress writes that the House vote sets off “a diplomatic nightmare for President Barack Obama”, as “t$3 he legislation is sure to antagonize a key US ally in the Middle East which already has tense relations with the administration”. There also is apprehension the bill would undermine a longstanding yet strained relationship with a critical U.S. ally in the Middle East. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, said the bill would help the families looking for “closure” 15 years after the attacks.
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“I’m pleased the House has taken this huge step forward towards justice for the families of the victims of 9/11”, Schumer said in a statement Friday. Poe said he doesn’t know if the Saudi government had a role in the attacks that killed more than 3,000 people.
