US Senate May Shoot Down Obama Veto, Allowing 9/11 Victims’ Families To Sue Saudi      

All eyes will be on the US Senate vote tomorrow (on Wednesday) that is likely to override President Barack Obama’s veto of a legislation that would allow them to sue the Saudi Arabian government.

The revelation about the vote was made by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, reports said.

This vote raises hopes of many lobbying and coordinating organisations of victims who have been seeking to sue the Wahabbi state. Saudi, however, has been vigorously lobbying against the bill.

If the senate wins the override, it will be a setback for the US government, which was keen on keeping the limelight away from Wahabbi elements and Islamist sponsors inside the Saudi establishment. They see their long-term interest aligned with the current Saudi elite and are willing to go the extra mile to protect them.

The Congress is, however, expected to easily clinch the two-thirds support needed to override Obama’s veto, which would be the first veto override of his presidency, said officials.

The legislation, known formally as the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), sailed through Congress with no recorded objections earlier this year.

But with a veto override apparently imminent, some legislators, particularly ones who specialise in national security policy, have become increasingly vocal about their concerns with the bill.

Both the chairman and the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee - Republican Mac Thornberry of Texas and Democrat Adam Smith of Washington - are circulating letters urging lawmakers to oppose JASTA, Politico noted.

They have warned that the legislation could open up US officials abroad to retaliation.

With inputs from IANS.