January 3, 2025
Mr. Biggs of Arizona submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Reaffirming that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
Whereas the Constitution requires approval from two-thirds of the Senators present for ratification and confirmation of international treaties;
Whereas President Bill Clinton signed the Rome Statute on December 31, 2000, but did not submit the treaty to the Senate for ratification;
Whereas, on May 6, 2002, the Bush administration announced that the United States does not intend to become a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court;
Whereas Article 125 of the Rome Statute states that it is subject to ratification, acceptance, or approval by signatory States
;
Whereas, on May 20, 2024, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, took unprecedented measures announcing arrest warrant applications for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant;
Whereas the United States and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute or members of the International Criminal Court; and
Whereas the United States does not recognize the legitimacy or jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court: Now, therefore, be it
Sec.
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
reaffirms that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court;
(2)
condemns the International Criminal Court’s issuance of arrest warrant applications for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant; and
(3)
reiterates its unwavering support for the State of Israel and its right to defend itself and its leaders from unwarranted international legal actions.