Obama uses veto to block Saudi suits over 9/11

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, said 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.

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 week – wouldmarkObama’slastmonths 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Obama has issued 12 vetoes during his presidency and none have yet been revoked.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.

Families of 9/11 victims have campaigned for the law – convinced that the Saudi government had a hand in the attacks that killed almost 3,000 people.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens, but no link to the government has been proved. The Saudi government denies any links to the plotters.

Declassified documents showed US intelligence had multiple suspicions about links between the Saudi government and the attackers.

“While in the United States, some of the 9/11 hijackers were in contact with, and received support or assistance from, individuals who may be connected to the Saudi government,” a finding read.

Behind the scenes, Riyadh has been lobbying furiously for the bill to be scrapped.

A senior Saudi prince reportedly threatened to pull billions of dollars out of US assets if it becomes law, but Saudi officials now distance themselves from that claim.

TheWhite House insists Obama did not veto because of concerns over ties with Saudi Arabia, saying it is worried the bill would set a dangerous legal precedent, undermining the principle of sovereign immunity.