A 9/11 Story: 7. Secret Weapon
Summary
Terry Fisher, a 9/11 widow, battles the US Supreme Court’s denial of her lawsuit against Saudi Arabia by lobbying Congress to pass the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. After years of grueling advocacy, she secures a commitment from House Speaker Paul Ryan at a private fundraiser, leading to the bill’s passage. President Obama vetoes the law, but Fisher successfully rallies a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override the veto. The episode concludes with the law becoming effective, finally allowing 9/11 families to sue foreign governments for terrorism.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Midas Tire Guarantee
Introduction to Ben and Ashley Podcast
Sponsor: Fresh Skincare Jelly Balm
Terry Strada's Mission to Change Law
Episode 7 Intro: The Secret Weapon
Supreme Court Ruling and Sovereign Immunity
Introducing the JASTA Bill
Lobbying Congress and Finding a Sponsor
The Cycle of Elections and Emotional Toll
2016: The Final Push and Secret Weapon
The Long Island Fundraiser Setup
Confronting Speaker Paul Ryan
House Passage and Obama's Veto Threat
The Veto and the Need to Override
Senate Vote to Override Veto
House Vote and JASTA Becomes Law
Aftermath and Saudi Lobbying
Teaser: Shadow World Breaking the Cycle
Sponsor: Midas Tire Guarantee
Teaser: Where Is Austin Tice
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