Blumenthal: Senate's Swift & Sound Action to Override JASTA Veto Will Give Victims of Terror Their Day in Court

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement today after the Senate voted 97-1 to override President Obama’s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). The legislation would allow victims of terrorism and their families to sue foreign actors that sponsor or support violent extremism. The veto must now be overridden in the House of Representatives, which approved the legislation unanimously in a vote earlier this month.

“Today’s overwhelming override vote is a significant moment for American justice – advancing legislation to provide terrorism victims with a fair day in court,” Blumenthal said. “These families have inspired and supported this action through their amazing courage and perseverance. This measure will help deter foreign governments from aiding and abetting terrorism. Mounting evidence that Saudi Arabia shares culpability for the horrific 9/11 attack should now be presented in court, and a judgment reached. Fears of reprisal or retaliation should never cause us to compromise American justice and values.”

On Monday, Blumenthal stood with Chris Murphy (D-CT), Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), and two Connecticut families who lost family members on September 11 to launch an override effort following President Obama’s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. One of those family members was Brett Eagleson, who was in the Senate Gallery this morning as Blumenthal spoke about the importance of the legislation on the Senate Floor before the vote.

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