Majority Leader McConnell: Senate Will Override Veto and Vote on Ending Arms Sales to Saudis

PRESS RELEASE

Majority Leader McConnell: Senate Will Override Veto and Vote on Ending Arms Sales to Saudis

Sept. 20, 2016 (EIRNS)—Following a Senate Republican lunch caucus meeting, Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told the press there were three issues to complete before a recess: passing a continuing resolution, overriding Obama’s expected veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, and voting on a bill to stop arms sales to the Saudis.

Texas Senator John Cornyn (R-Tex.) spoke after McConnell, telling Obama to stop stalling on the veto so they can get going on the override. Today’s Texasinsider.org reported that Cornyn spoke on the floor of the Senate today, pressing Obama to act.

"In just a few minutes I’ll have the chance to meet with several of the families from 9/11, of the victims of 9/11. And these men and women, I have to tell you, have been a remarkable example of resilience and courage for all of us. They want and they deserve a path to justice, and I hope the President stops holding up Congress from voting to override the veto he promised on this legislation. Better yet, I would hope the President would reconsider his stated intention to veto the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.

"All it does, is gives these families access to a court of law where they can make their case, if they can. But the President said he’s going to veto it. My question is, what is he waiting for? It’s been on his desk since about a week ago. Why is he making these families wait even longer for justice? If he’s going to veto, he should veto it. He should do it, to stop making everybody wait on his timeline."

McConnell made clear that the Senate would not recess until they override an Obama veto on JASTA. Obama could wait to Friday night for the veto, but McConnell said it was "safe to say" that the Senate would be in town next week.