(VOVworld) – United States President Barack Obama has vetoed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) bill that would allow Saudi Arabia to be sued by families of victims of the September 11 attacks. Expressing "deep sympathy" for the families of the victims, Mr Obama said the law would be "detrimental to US national interests".

If the JASTA bill is signed in to Law, it may cause escalating tension in the close alliance between the US and Saudi Arabia. Obama said the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act would hurt US national security and harm important alliances, while shifting crucial terrorism-related issues from policy officials into the hands of the courts.

The veto sets the stage for likely showdown votes next week in both the House and Senate. US Senators are now open to the possibility of the other vote for JASTA if two-thirds majorities of each chamber vote to override the president's veto.