The US Congress overrode the presidential veto on the law, permitting families of 9/11 victims to file lawsuits against Saudi Arabia, PRIME reports. For the first time during the incumbency of US President Barak Obama, the congressional representatives used their right of veto.
348 congressional representatives versus 76 voted for overriding the presidential veto.
On September 23, US House of Representatives passed the draft law, which permits families of the deceased and injured on nine eleven to file lawsuits against the authorities and citizens of foreign countries. In particular, it refers to Saudi Arabia, which was repeatedly accused of supporting terrorists, who carried out the deadliest terrorist act in US history.
On the next day, the country’s president imposed veto on the draft law. Obama explained his decision by the unwillingness to worsen Washington’s relationships with allies.
Reuters Agency explains such actions of the Congress with the fact that the majority of members in the House of Representatives belongs to the Republican Party, which regularly criticizes the democrat President’s decisions. However, the heads of state as well as fellow party members spoke out against the veto.
