Obama Just Suffered First Override of His Presidency

Congress has rejected a veto by President Obama for the first time in his presidency. The House voted 348-77 Wednesday to override his veto and to allow the families of Sept. 11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia for the kingdom's alleged backing of the attackers, reports AP. The Senate had earlier voted 97-1 to override his veto, the lone "no" coming from minority leader Harry Reid. The lawsuit legislation now becomes law despite objections from Obama and top Pentagon officials that it could put US troops and interests at risk.

Several lawmakers who voted for the legislation acknowledged that it could trigger lawsuits from people in countries opposed to US policies and military actions. But proponents said the bill is narrowly tailored and applies only to acts of terrorism that occur on US soil. Politico notes that the popularity of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act "made it basically inevitable that the measure would ultimately become law." (More 9/11 attacks stories.)