The Senate acted decisively Wednesday to override President Barack Obama’s veto of Sept. 11 legislation, setting the stage for the contentious bill to become law despite flaws that Obama and top Pentagon officials warn could put U.S. troops and interests at risk.
Five weeks before elections, lawmakers refused to oppose a measure backed by 9/11 families who say they are still seeking justice 15 years after the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. The bill permits them to sue the government of Saudi Arabia for the kingdom’s alleged backing of the 19 hijackers who carried out the plot. Saudi Arabia is staunchly opposed to the measure.
NPR’s Ron Elving speaks with Here & Now‘s Jeremy Hobson about the override vote, and about a deal between House Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi that will deliver federal aid to address the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this article.
Guest
Ron Elving, NPR’s senior Washington editor and correspondent. He tweets @NPRrelving.
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