The White House on Tuesday lauded two leading Republicans who voiced concerns about legislation that would allow American families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia for any role it played in the 2001 terror attacks.
The legislation has a large group of bipartisan supporters, ranging from Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) to presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
{mosads}But White House press secretary Josh Earnest said the reservations expressed by Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) show there is growing bipartisan concern about preserving the U.S.-Saudi relationship.
“In the current political climate, bipartisan support is rare,” he said. “But I think, in this instance, it’s an indication of just how significant these questions are. And we’re obviously gratified that there are other Republicans who have taken a close look at this legislation.”
Graham on Tuesday placed a hold on the bill, echoing President Obama’s fear that the legislation could damage ties with Riyadh, a prominent Washington ally.
Ryan also expressed skepticism of the legislation on Tuesday.
“I think we need to look at it,” Ryan told reporters. “I think we need to review it to make sure we are not making mistakes with our allies and that we’re not catching people in this that shouldn’t be caught up in this.”
The spokesman also said he was “gratified to see Speaker Ryan indicate his shared concern about the potential unintended consequences of this bill.”
The White House has already threatened to veto the legislation, but stopping it in Congress would be a more favorable outcome for the administration by showing support remains for the U.S.-Saudi relationship.
The fierce debate threatens to overshadow Obama’s trip to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, which is meant to ease the nation’s concerns about the U.S. commitment to the nations’ alliance.
Saudi Arabia has threatened to sell off $750 billion in U.S. assets if the bill becomes law in order to shield it from financial risk.
Obama has said passing the legislation could lead to American citizens overseas being placed in legal jeopardy if other nations decide to pass reciprocal laws that remove sovereign immunity.
Drafters of the legislation say it is narrowly tailored to address only Americans affected by acts of terror. But Earnest said foreign countries might take a broader approach that could put U.S. citizens at risk.
Earnest said the president has not reached out personally to lawmakers to discuss the bill. Senior administration officials have relayed Obama’s concerns to “senior officials” in Congress.
“We are certainly interested in a dialogue on this issue,” Earnest said.