Senate unanimously passes bill allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia

The Senate unanimously approved legislation Tuesday that would allow survivors and families of the 9/11 attacks to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged involvement in the terrorist strikes by blocking the country's sovereign immunity in federal court. The passage of the measure, known as the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, sets up a big showdown between Congress and the White House, as the White House has opposed the legislation. Saudi Arabian officials have already threatened to sell $750 billion in U.S. assets if the bill is signed into law, and President Obama has expressed concerns that the bill could also open up the U.S. to lawsuits.

However, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who are heading up the bill, have dismissed Saudi Arabia's warnings as "hollow threats." "If the Saudis did not participate (in the Sept. 11 attacks) they have nothing to worry about," Schumer said at a news conference Tuesday. "If they did, they should be held accountable."

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the Sept. 11 attacks. The bill moves onto the House next, where Speaker Paul Ryan has already expressed concerns.