If signed into law, new legislation would allow families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia; but Obama says he will veto the bill when presented
The House on Friday passed legislation that allows families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia in U.S. courts. The legislation, called the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), passed unanimously by voice vote, to applause, reports The Hill.
Under current U.S. law, victims may sue a country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, such as Iran. The bill would allow citizens to sue countries without that designation – like Saudi Arabia.
The bills supporters see the legislation as a moral imperative, saying the victims of the 9/11 attacks deserve justice, but the White House has hinted at vetoing the bill. President Obama lobbied against the bill, arguing it could both strain relations with Saudi Arabia and lead to retaliatory legislation overseas against the United States.
President Obama sits in a precarious position, however. Supporters are hoping the president will sign the bill into law in order to focus on other issues he hopes to pass in his lame-duck session. Obama is also trying to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and a criminal justice reform measure and confirm Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland before leaving office.
If Obama does decide to veto JASTA, the bill’s supporters believe that they have the two-thirds majority necessary to override his veto.
Despite its popularity in Congress, some prominent national security advisers have also spoken out against the bill.
Former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton and ex-Attorney General Michael Mukasey, both of whom served under former President George W. Bush, this week warned that the legislation “is far more likely to harm the United States than bring justice against any sponsor of terrorism.”
President Obama has ten days to either sign or veto the legislation.
An ambassador’s point of view
“[This bill] faces almost certain veto by President Obama,” Former Ambassador to Oman and Founder & CEO of Equilibrium International Consulting Gary Grappo told Oil & Gas 360®. “The legislation violates every element of sovereign immunity, an essential principle of world order respected by civilized nations since the Peace of Westphalia of 1648.
“Were the legislation enacted – again highly unlikely, given the White House’s strong opposition – it would open the U.S. to a raft of law suits around the world, from families of victims of American drone strikes to citizens overseas seeking financial recompense for America’s role in the 2008 financial collapse. It would imperil the work of our military officers and diplomats around the world.
“Additionally, the proposed law would seriously undermine relations with one of the United States’ most vital allies in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia. Following President Obama’s almost certain veto, the legislation might be considered for a congressional veto override, which would be the first of Mr. Obama’s presidency and would require Democratic supporters of the President to stand by him to block the required two-thirds majority,” Grappo said.
