The House passed a bill this Friday that would allow September 11th families to sue nations with ties to terrorism, but despite broad bipartisan support, the bill might not make it into law. Washington bureau reporter Alberto Pimienta filed the following report.
There were cheers and applause in the House chamber after members passed a bill that would allow 9/11 families to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged role during September 11th.
"This bill is about giving victims of terror attacks on United States soil their day in court," said Rep. Dan Donovan, whose New York district covers Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn.
The Senate passed the legislation unanimously in May. It now goes to President Barack Obama’s desk.
The White House has shown opposition to the bill, and Obama can veto it. Congress, however, can override that possible veto if two-thirds of each chamber votes to do so.
"For our government to obstruct the 9/11 victims, their families from seeking the truth about Saudi Arabia and its involvement, is just flat wrong," said Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas.
The White House has said this legislation could encourage other nations to create similar laws and sue the U.S. in foreign courts.
"I find this argument unpersuasive," said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, whose New York district covers parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. "The United States does not engage in international terrorist activity."
The passage of the bill is sure to create tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Those opposed also say this could affect relations with other governments as well.
"They assert that the bill will hamper cooperation from other nations because they may become more reluctant to share sensitive intelligence," said Rep. John Conyers of Michigan.
Saudi Arabia warned that if the legislation was to pass, the country would sell off $750 billion of U.S. assets.
"It’s an obligation we in the Congress have to not allow foreign lobbyists or foreign countries or anyone else to intimidate us," said Rep. Peter King of New York.
It remains to be seen what is going to happen and what the White House will do. The sense on Capitol Hill is that there may be enough votes to override a veto.