WGBH News - With Presidential Veto Looming, Congressman Lynch Stands By Bill Allowing 9/11 Families To Sue Saudi Arabia

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By Amanda McGowan

With the threat of a presidential veto looming, Congressman Stephen Lynch is standing by a bill allowing the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia.

"In a case where a government has been actively complicit in attacks on civilians in a foreign country through terrorist acts, they should be held liable. In the case of Saudi Arabia, it is absolutely fair and reasonable and just," Lynch told Boston Public Radio Wednesday.

The bill, which passed the Senate in May and the House earlier this month, is now sitting on President Obama's desk waiting for either a signature or a veto. Obama has opposed the bill, saying it may embolden citizens of foreign countries into taking legal action against the United States. Obama has until Friday to veto the bill.

Lynch believes the bill exposes the United States to no more legal risk than it faces currently, and that the country will continue to be able to assert legal immunity if faced with foreign lawsuits.

While Lynch is confident there are enough votes to override a veto, he believes both chambers are open to discussing the consequences of the bill.

"I understand the president's reluctance," he said. "I'm not necessarily on board with him vetoing it, but I think the signal has gone out from both the House and Senate that we could have further discussions on that, about what happens."

To hear more from Congressman Stephen Lynch, tune in to Boston Public Radio above.

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