All 7 in state’s congressional delegation votes to override

Connecticut's congressional delegation was among the overwhelming majority of federal lawmakers who voted Wednesday to override President Barack Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, enabling the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia in federal courts over its alleged ties to the attackers.

The Senate voted 97 to 1 to override the president's veto, with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., being the only one to side with the president.

Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., both put out statements following the vote, saying that the measure allows 9/11 families to have their day in court.

“Today's overwhelming override vote is a significant moment for American justice — advancing legislation to provide terrorism victims with a fair day in court,” Blumenthal said. “These families have inspired and supported this action through their amazing courage and perseverance. This measure will help deter foreign governments from aiding and abetting terrorism. Mounting evidence that Saudi Arabia shares culpability for the horrific 9/11 attack should now be presented in court, and a judgment reached. Fears of reprisal or retaliation should never cause us to compromise American justice and values.”

In his statement, Murphy said, “I voted to override the president's veto because the families of those killed on September 11th deserve the chance to argue their case in a court of law. This bill fixes an unjustifiable loophole in the law that kept families in Connecticut out of court. I hope that the Saudis had nothing to do with the horrific terrorist attacks, but the families should be able to have their day in court.”

The senators and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd District, held a news conference outside the U.S. District Court in Hartford on Monday, calling for the override. They were joined by Connecticut residents Mary Fetchet, founding director of Voices of September 11th, who lost her 24-year-old son Brad in the attack, and Brett Eagleson, who lost his father as a result of the attacks.

The House approved the veto override a few hours after the Senate on Wednesday by a vote of 348-77, with DeLauro and Reps. John Larson, D-1st District, Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, Jim Himes, D-4th District, and Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District, all voting yes.