Obama vetoes controversial 9/11 lawsuit bill

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - President Barack Obama on Friday vetoed a bill that would have allowed the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia.

The bill passed the House and Senate unanimously in a rare show of full bipartisan support.

The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act would have allowed the families of 9/11 victims to sue Riyadh if it is found to be legally liable for helping to support the devastating terror attacks.

The White House has long been at loggerheads with lawmakers regarding the bill, saying it would open the door to similar suits against the U.S.

Obama said in a letter sent to the Senate that the bill would "remove sovereign immunity in U.S. courts from foreign governments that are not designated state sponsors of terrorism."

Congress is likely to overturn the controversial executive measure, putting the bill into effect. The override would mark a first during Obama's two-term presidency.