Smith Barney alleges that it may be irreparably injured if the dispute proceeds before the AAA, because the AAA rules contain no limita- tions period for Critical Health's claims. By contrast, the NASD, NYSE, and AMEX arbitration rules all provide that claims based upon transactions that occurred more than six years before the arbitra- tion was filed are not eligible for arbitration. Critical Health's claims arise from transactions and occurrences from the early 1980s and 3 likely would not be eligible for arbitration under the rules of the three SROs. Smith Barney now appeals. We review de novo the district court's conclusions regarding the arbitrability of the dispute between Smith Barney and Critical Health.
Federal law governs the construction of contract language concern- ing arbitrability.
Under New York law the AMEX Window remains open. But while New York decisional law governs the substantive principles of any dispute, federal law still governs the interpretation of the arbitration agreement. Because arbitration contracts must be construed in accordance with federal law, we are not bound by New York state decisions. 4 and enforceable, save upon such grounds as exist at law or in equity for the revocation of any contract. See AMEX Const.