President Barack Obama on Friday vetoed a bill allowing 9/11 families to sue Saudi Arabia, risking a fierce public backlash and rare congressional rebuke.
While expressing “deep sympathy” for the families of the victims, Obama said the law would be “detrimental to US national interests.”
The White House tried and failed to have the legislation — which was unanimously passed by Congress — scrapped or substantially revised.
Terry Strada, whose husband Tom was killed in World Trade Center Tower One, told AFP the 9/11 “families are outraged and very disappointed” by Obama’s decision.
She vowed that the group would now lobby “just as hard as we possibly can” to have Congress overturn the decision.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who has already painted Obama and his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton as weak on terrorism, described the decision as “shameful.”
“That President Obama would deny the parents, spouses and children of those we lost on that horrific day the chance to close this painful chapter in their lives is a disgrace.”
“If elected president, I would sign such legislation should it reach my desk.”
On that point at least Trump was in agreement with Clinton, who, according to her campaign spokesman Jesse Lehrich, would also sign the bill.
Obama now faces the very real prospect of Republican and Democratic lawmakers joining forces to override his veto for the first time in his presidency.
Such a rebuke — which Congressional sources say could come as early as next Tuesday — would mark Obama’s last months in office and show the White House to be much weakened.
Obama has issued 12 vetoes during his presidency and none have yet been revoked.
New York Senator Chuck Schumer — a Democrat with close ties to Obama and who cosponsored the bill — insisted that is about to change.
“This is a disappointing decision that will be swiftly and soundly overturned in Congress,” he said.
“If the Saudis did nothing wrong, they should not fear this legislation. If they were culpable in 9/11, they should be held accountable.” – AFP.
