Obama will veto Saudi-9/11 Bill

The Whitehouse confirmed on Monday that President Obama will use his veto power to prevent a bill – that would allow victims of the terrorist attacks on Washington and New York on 11 September, 2001 – from suing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The bill was passed by the US Senate with unanimous support on Friday and has exposed a highly controversial rift between the president and the legislature. Senators have argued that the bill sends a message about the seriousness of terrorism while the Whitehouse is concerned that it will complicate diplomatic relations with an important ally.

If the veto goes ahead as planned the Senate is expected to attempt an override.