WASHINGTON (News Desk) – The US Senate has unanimously adopted a bill that would allow the families of 9/11 attacks victims to sue Saudi Arabia over its possible role in the terrorist attack.
The legislation titled “Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act” will now head to the House of Representatives.
However the White House has categorically stated that President Barack Obama will veto any such legislation if passed by the House as well.
“This legislation would change long-standing, international law regarding sovereign immunity. And the president of the United States continues to harbor serious concerns that this legislation would make the United States vulnerable in other court systems around the world,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.
Earlier last month, the Saudi foreign minister warned the US against passing the Bill, saying it would force a wedge between the two countries and force the Kingdom to consider selling its over $ 750 billion in US treasury bonds, which could potentially cause enormous fall-out within the US economy.
Under the 9/11 bill, any family member of those directly or indirectly affected by the 2001 terrorist attacks would be able to move US Federal Courts seeking a compensation for the damages. These reimbursement are supposed to be paid through Saudi Arabian assets in the United States.
In 2001, two hijacked planes had collided into New York’s World Trade Center, also known as the Twin Towers. Some 3,000 US citizens were killed in the terrorist at, while hundreds of families were economically affected by the consequences.
As many as 15 of the 19 total hijackers of the planes were found to be Saudi citizens. Some members of Saudi Royal Family, the US’ long-time partners in the Middle East, were blamed for sponsoring militant groups responsible for the attacks, such as al-Qaeda. Riyadh, however, has always dismissed such claims.
