Fitzpatrick Urges House To Override Obama Veto

Press Release

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-08) today urged the Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, to schedule a veto override vote as soon as possible on the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

President Obama vetoed the bill, which ensures terrorist attack victims and their families can seek justice in a U.S. court of law against the nations that sponsor terrorism.

On September 9, 2016, the House of Representative unanimously passed S. 2040, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. Similarly, it passed the Senate with unanimous consent.

"We have heard the plea from 9/11 families for this important legislation. The President cannot simply slam the door shut on these families," said Fitzpatrick. "I am urging the Speaker of the House to schedule a veto override as soon as possible so those harmed by acts of terrorism are given the right to their day in course to hold accountable those who support atrocious acts of terrorism"

Fitzpatrick sent a letter to the Speaker, citing Congress' constitutional authority to override the president when he blocks the supermajority will of the American people.

President Obama's veto comes after a previous letter from 9/11 families asking the President to joint Congress and protect all present and future victims of terrorism. It also follows a letter sent to the President from Fitzpatrick, imploring him to sign JASTA into law.

A two-thirds vote of the House and the Senate are required for a presidential veto to be overridden.

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