H.R.es9 - Reaffirming that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res.9 reaffirms the United States' position of not being a party to the Rome Statute and not recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The resolution expresses disapproval of the ICC's actions, specifically the application for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. It also reiterates unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself.
Expected Effects
The resolution formalizes the House of Representatives' stance on the ICC and its actions regarding Israeli officials. This action has no legal binding. It serves as a symbolic gesture of support for Israel and a statement against the ICC's jurisdiction over non-member states.
Potential Benefits
- Reinforces U.S. sovereignty by rejecting the jurisdiction of an international body.
- Demonstrates solidarity with Israel, a key ally.
- Potentially deters the ICC from pursuing similar actions against U.S. citizens or allies in the future.
- Aligns with a consistent U.S. policy of not recognizing the ICC's authority without U.S. consent.
- May strengthen domestic support for policies that protect U.S. officials and allies from international prosecution.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May strain relationships with countries that support the ICC.
- Could be perceived as undermining international law and institutions.
- May complicate efforts to address international crimes in situations where the ICC is the only viable option.
- Potentially isolates the U.S. from international efforts to hold individuals accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- Could be seen as a double standard, criticizing the ICC while advocating for international justice in other contexts.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the U.S. Constitution in asserting national sovereignty and the treaty ratification process outlined in Article II, Section 2, which requires Senate approval for treaties. The resolution underscores the principle that the U.S. is not bound by international agreements it has not ratified. It also indirectly touches upon the principle of separation of powers, as the House is expressing its opinion on a matter of foreign policy.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).