KRISTEN BREITWEISER, kdianbreit[at]aol.com
Breitweiser is a 9/11 widow and activist. Working with a group of other 9/11 widows known as the “Jersey Girls,” she was able to pressure the U.S. government to conduct a formal investigation into the 9/11 attacks. She recently wrote the piece “Obama Is Blocking The Path To Justice For 9/11 Victims’ Families.”

She said today: “The 9/11 families will be in Washington, D.C. all week to rally support against the President — starting with our protest tomorrow [Tues.] at Lafayette Square Park at 12:30. We are also trying to persuade Congress to stay in town for the inevitable override vote of Obama’s veto so it doesn’t get pushed to the lame duck session.

“We find the President’s position in support of Saudi Arabia absolutely appalling and untenable. Clear and convincing evidence proves that the Saudis are the number one funder of terrorist groups that kill Americans.

“Moreover, given the events that have transpired in NY/NJ in the past two days — we find the President’s continued opposition to JASTA [Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act] downright dangerous and disturbing.

“The fact that President Obama has held onto JASTA and not delivered his veto — thereby delaying the override vote — can only mean one thing: this man is using JASTA — a piece of powerful anti-terrorism legislation — as a political football.

“While the President purposely drags his feet in issuing his veto, the Saudis and their lobbyists have seen fit to walk the halls of Congress attempting to pick off our override votes. In addition, due to the President’s purposeful delay, the actual vote to override might now be delayed by two months into the lame duck session.

“Obviously, we hope Congress will remain in session to thwart the President and his deplorable political game-playing — game-playing that not only affects the 9/11 families’ right to accountability and justice — but also continues to place this nation at risk to terrorist attacks, as is witnessed by the past 48 hours. We believe that this is what happens when nobody is held accountable.”

The New York Times recently reported: “Two lobbying and public relations firms under contract with the Saudi government, Qorvis MSLGroup and Podesta Group, circulated this week a compilation of recent statements by foreign officials warning that passing the legislation could set off a wave of retaliatory measures by other counties.” Podesta Group was founded by John and Tony Podesta. Tony is the current chairman of the group. John is chairman of the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign.

Breitweiser added: “The reporting about the Podesta Group is concerning. …
“Jubeir’s [Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir] visit to Lindsey Graham’s office and Graham suddenly having issues with the bill does not seem coincidental.‎ Senator Graham had all of his ‘concerns’ about JASTA addressed and satisfied back in the spring. Senator Graham happily lifted his hold on JASTA then. I can’t imagine what changed his position. What could Jubeir have said?”Also see from Kate Gould: “Vote this Week to Block Arms Deal to Saudi Arabia.”