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House Overrides President’s Veto of 9/11 Bill

Washington, September 29, 2016
The House of Representatives, along with the Senate, has voted to override the president’s veto on a bill to allow families of the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks to sue foreign sponsors of terrorism. Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA) released the following statement:

“For eight years America has been weakened by this president's foreign policies; and, several days ago he vetoed a bill that would allow Americans affected by terrorism to seek justice. The House of Representatives, and the Senate, has voted to override the president’s veto. With Congress taking bold action, families of the victims of the terrorist attacks on our nation will have the opportunity for justice. This action will allow for any government involved in funding terrorism to be held accountable."

Background

The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) - S. 2040, authorizes U.S. courts to hear cases involving claims against a foreign state for injuries, death, or damages that occur inside the United States as a result of a tort, including an act of terrorism, committed anywhere by a foreign state or official.

This bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously on September 9, 2016 after the Senate unanimously passed it on May 17. The President vetoed this legislation on September 23, and on September, 28, 2016, both chambers overrode President Obama’s veto.