Skip to main content

EU lawmakers warn Congress against Saudi terrorism bill

The Dutch parliament registered its opposition ahead of a July 14 hearing on the issue.
An overview of the parliament during a debate about the government's resignation caused by a crisis over budget cuts in The Hague April 24, 2012. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said his country faced a crisis and asked parliament to push through budget cuts after his government lost the support of its main political ally and tendered its resignation.   REUTERS/Paul Vreeker/United Photos (NETHERLANDS - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) - RTR315IQ
Read in 

European lawmakers are putting Congress on notice that a bill to allow 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia could inadvertently harm relations with some of America’s closest allies across the Atlantic.

The Dutch parliament wrote to House lawmakers ahead of a July 14 hearing to warn them that the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) would represent a “gross and unwarranted breach of Dutch sovereignty” that could result in “astronomical damages.” The July 12 letter obtained by Al-Monitor endorses the Obama administration’s opposition to the bill, and asks that Congress take into account a July 6 motion from the Dutch House of Representatives calling the bill “unacceptable.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.