A collection of file photos that recorded the horrible scenes and chaos of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. [File Photo: Xinhua]

The U.S. Senate has approved legislation that would allow victims of the September 11 terror attacks to sue Saudi Arabia.

The bill, which was passed by motion of unanimous consent, would allow victims of terror attacks on U.S. soil or surviving family members to bring lawsuits against nation-states for activities supporting terrorism. The legislation will now be sent to the House of Representatives.

The bill's future in the House is uncertain but is likely to be of little consequence. The White House has repeatedly issued veto threats over the bill.

White House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest, reiterated President Obama's opposition to the legislation.

"This legislation would change longstanding international law regarding sovereign immunity, and the President of the United States continues to harbor serious concerns that this legislation would make the United States vulnerable in other court systems around the world."

The legislation has also drawn criticism from the Saudi government.

Saudi Arabia has told the Obama administration and members of Congress that it will sell off hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of American assets held by the kingdom if the bill becomes law.