WASHINGTON — President Obama vetoed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act on Friday, setting up a major test for whether 9/11 families will get legislation they've long clamored for that will let them sue the Saudi Arabian government for its alleged role in funding the attacks.
"The United States has taken robust and wide-ranging actions to provide justice for the victims of the 9/11 attacks and keep Americans safe, from providing financial compensation for victims and their families to conducting worldwide counterterrorism programs to bringing criminal charges against culpable individuals. I have continued and expanded upon these efforts, both to help victims of terrorism gain justice for the loss and suffering of their loved ones and to protect the United States from future attacks," Obama said in a Friday afternoon statement.
"The JASTA, however, does not contribute to these goals, does not enhance the safety of Americans from terrorist attacks, and undermines core U.S. interests. For these reasons, I must veto the bill."
The bill is designed to give survivors and families of those murdered on 9/11 legal standing to sue the Saudi Arabian government in an attempt to bring justice to those who helped fund the terrorists, 15 of the 19 whom were Saudi nationals. Families, many from greater New York City, have fought for years to try to hold them accountable and receive financial compensation.
