The Sept. 11 Lawsuit Bill Is Weaker Than It Appears
Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images
For 14 years families of Sept. 11 victims have tried unsuccessfully to use the courts to pin responsibility for the terrorist attacks on Saudi Arabia. Legal obstacles have blocked those efforts, but on Sept. 28, Congress passed legislation—overriding a veto by President Obama—advertised as clearing the families’ path. “We rejoice in this triumph and look forward to our day in court,” declared Terry Strada, whose husband, Tom, died at the World Trade Center and who heads 9/11 Families & Survivors United for Justice Against Terrorism.
A close inspection of the statute, however, reveals that last-minute changes diluted the law’s effectiveness. As a result, “it’s unlikely the 9/11 victims and families’ claims will get anywhere,” says Stephen Vladeck, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin specializing in national security.