Womack Cosponsored Bill Sanctioning ICC Passes House

Washington, DC-January 9, 2025…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted to support H.R. 23, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. He is a cosponsor of the measure, which imposes sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for any efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute any protected person of the United States and its allies, including Israel. Additionally, it ensures no current or future federal funding flows to the ICC.

Congressman Womack said, "October 7, 2023, marked the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Hamas brutally murdered, raped, and kidnapped thousands of innocent Israelis, 96 of whom they still hold hostage. Prime Minister Netanyahu's response is justified. The ICC's attempt to equate Hamas' terrorist actions with Israel's defense of its people and homeland is ridiculous on its face. This bill holds the ICC accountable for their illegitimate and dangerous claims, which threaten the U.S. and our allies. It's our moral and strategic obligation to stand strong with Israel as they fight to destroy the evil Hamas terrorist network."

Background:

• On May 20, 2024, the Prosecutor of the ICC, Karim Khan, announced arrest warrant applications for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, together with warrants for Hamas terrorists.
• On November 21, 2024, the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber issued warrants for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Gallant.
• In 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order (EO) 13928 sanctioning ICC officials, employees, and associates who engaged in any effort by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute U.S. citizens or allies - including Israel - that are not part of the ICC or have not granted the ICC jurisdiction.
• On April 2, 2021, President Biden revoked EO 13928, allowing the ICC to target U.S. citizens and Israel.
• The U.S. and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute or members of the ICC, and therefore the ICC has no legitimacy or jurisdiction over the U.S. or Israel.

The legislation now awaits action from the Senate.