Override of veto on 9/11 lawsuits poses potential 'significant legal change' between U.S., Saudi Arabia

LAWRENCE — Congress on Wednesday voted to override President Barack Obama’s veto of legislation that would allow families with members killed on 9/11 to sue Saudi Arabia for a role in the attacks. The action was the first successful override of Obama’s presidency. The measure, voted for by a significant majority of Congress, amends a 1976 law that grants other nations broad immunity from American lawsuits, opening the door to sue in federal court if they are shown to have had a role in terrorist attacks on American soil.

Raj Bhala, associate dean for international and comparative law and Rice Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas School of Law, is available to speak with media about the override, U.S.-Saudi relations, Middle East policy and how the decision relates to the Trans Pacific Partnership, national security, the United States’ policy pivot to Asia, Islam and related topics. The move has the potential for enormous effect on relations between the two countries, according to the world-renowned expert on international trade law.

“The override by Congress of the president’s veto of JASTA signals a potentially significant legal change in America’s approach to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Bhala said. “Along with recent economic, political and security developments – namely, the plunge in hydrocarbon prices, Iran nuclear deal and reduced cooperation in the Yemeni conflict, respectively – it is not business as usual anymore. Much work on both sides is needed to ensure a long-term stable, secure and reform-oriented future.”

Bhala has worked in Saudi Arabia during his career and continues to do so. He has a global reputation in the scholarship of international trade law and Islamic law. He has authored dozens of academic articles on the topics as well as the books “The TPP Objectively: Law, Economics, and National Security of History’s Largest, Longest Free Trade Agreement,” “Understanding Islamic Law (Shari’a)” and the two-volume treatise “Modern GATT Law.” He practiced international banking law at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York before entering academia and currently serves as a legal consultant to Cheniere Energy and other prominent organizations and firms. He has traveled in nearly 50 countries across the Middle East, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia, Latin America and Europe.

To schedule an interview, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or mkrings@ku.edu.