DeLauro Votes to Override the President’s Veto of the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act
WASHINGTON, DC (September 28, 2016) — CongresswomanRosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding her vote to override the President’s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). The legislation, which was recently passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, was vetoed by the White House last Friday.
“Today, Congress stood with victims of the September 11th attacks and their families by overriding a veto on the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. While I was disappointed that President Obama vetoed the bill, Democrats and Republicans came together to give families of Americans who have been harmed by terrorism the tools they need to seek justice against foreign governments who are complicit in acts of terror. The American people deserve transparency and the victims deserve justice, which is exactly what JASTA aims to provide.”
On Monday, DeLauro joined the Eagleson family, whose father Bruce died in the September 11th attacks, to call on Congress to override the President’s veto. The legislation would allow victims of terrorism and their families to sue foreign actors that sponsor or support violent extremism by removing practical and legal hurdles to prove liability. Under this legislation, foreign actors who have any part in aiding and abetting acts of terror would be held accountable by appearing in U.S. courts and answering to the evidence.