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S. 2040 Override of President’s Veto – JASTA (Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act): YES.

September 28, 2016
Vote Notes on Legislation

S. 2040 Override of President’s Veto – JASTA (Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act): YES. If a foreign government pays terrorists on U.S. soil to attack the United States, victims can sue for damages. If that SAME government pays those SAME terrorists on foreign soil to attack the United States, those SAME victims CANNOT sue. This measure closes that loophole. The investigation into the attack on September 11th 2001 strongly implicates Saudi government officials, but both Bush and Obama thwarted the investigation and victims have been unable to sue those responsible. Opponents argue that this would unravel the doctrine of sovereign immunity, exposing Americans to lawsuits overseas. But the laws of other countries are ALWAYS beyond our control. This bill very narrowly applies to deliberate acts of terrorism carried out on American soil whether or not those orders originated on American soil. This is hardly a precedent-shattering principle. Closing this loophole at least assures that the truth will come out and that victims can seek compensation against those responsible through American courts.