President Obama still intends to veto a bill that would allow families of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to sue the government of Saudi Arabia, saying it would expose U.S. personnel overseas to retaliatory lawsuits.
“That is still the plan,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said when asked about a possible veto. “The president feels quite strongly about this.”
The House passed the measure Friday on a voice vote, leaving open the question of whether lawmakers could override a veto by Mr. Obama for the first time in his presidency. The Senate approved the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act in May.
Lawmakers would need a two-thirds vote to override a veto.
Among the president’s objections, Mr. Earnest said, “This law actually opens up the United States to risk of being hauled into court in countries around the world.”
The White House believes the legislation also would weaken ties with Saudi Arabia, whose government has denied a role in the attacks. Fifteen of the 19 suicide hijackers on 9/11 were Saudi citizens.
Mr. Earnest said the legislation would allow individual federal judges to designate various countries as state sponsors of terrorism, a decision he said should be left to the executive branch after a thorough investigation.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.