Sheila Jackson Lee: “The House now has before it the President's Veto Message accompanying S. 2040, the ``Justice Against Sponsors of…”

“The House now has before it the President's Veto Message accompanying S. 2040, the ``Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act,'' which would authorize private litigation against foreign governments in the federal courts of the United States based on allegations that such foreign governments' actions abroad made them responsible for terrorism-related injuries sustained on U.S. soil. I have stated on numerous times that I believe that President Barack Obama is one of the best and most consequential presidents in American history; his stewardship of American foreign and national security has kept our nation safe and restored its reputation as the most respected nation in the world. President Obama has been an outstanding Commander-in-Chief exhibiting exceptional judgment, judgment marked by vision and purposeful, conduct that has been steady and restrained. Mr. Speaker, I take seriously the decision whether to override a presidential veto, particularly one relating to national security and foreign policy but, as it is a duty imposed on the Congress by the Constitution, I do not shrink from the responsibility. I have not voted to override a veto during his tenure. Mr. Speaker, seventeen days ago, we observed the 15th anniversary of the day our nation faced the greatest loss of life on U.S. soil from a terrorist attack.…”