Congressman Stephen Lynch voiced strong support for legislation that would make it easier for the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia for allegedly sponsoring the terrorist attacks.
"I think today's reality unfortunately requires it," Lynch said. "We've got indications there are countries out there that are active and robust supporters of terrorism and they're exporting this stuff. It brings a certain amount of accountability to those countries."
The bill—which passed the Senate last week—amends a 1976 law granting immunity to foreign nations by creating an exception for countries that sponsor terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
"It's a very narrow exception to the general law of immunity," Lynch said. "If you engage in terrorist activity in another country and you engage in terrorism and kill innocent civilians, you should be subject to this liability. There's no question about it."
The Obama Administration, citing concerns about the safety of Americans overseas, is opposed to the bill and has threatened to veto it. Saudi Arabia has threatened to sell off billions of dollars in American assets if Congress follows through.
Lynch said he believed there were enough votes in Congress supporting the legislation to override a presidential veto.
To hear more from Congressman Stephen Lynch, tune in to Boston Public Radio above.
