US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HR9

Introduced
 
Introduced
1/3/25  

Caption

Reaffirming that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

Impact

The resolution has significant implications for U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding its relationship with international legal institutions. By reaffirming the U.S. stance against the ICC, it signals to both domestic and international audiences that the U.S. prioritizes national sovereignty over international jurisdiction in war crime cases. Furthermore, it reinforces the United States' ongoing support for Israel, particularly in light of recent developments regarding ICC's actions against Israeli officials. This could affect diplomatic relations, especially with countries that are aligned with the ICC’s mission.

Summary

House Resolution 9 (HR9) is a resolution that reaffirms the United States' non-participation in the Rome Statute and its rejections of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) jurisdiction. Introduced by Mr. Biggs of Arizona, the resolution specifies that the U.S. does not recognize the ICC's legitimacy, a stance that has been maintained since the Bush administration in 2002 when it was announced that the United States would not become a party to the Rome Statute. The resolution also reiterates a commitment to Israel and opposes any international legal actions against Israeli leadership.

Contention

Key points of contention involve the balance between national sovereignty and international legal obligations. Supporters argue that the resolution is necessary to protect U.S. sovereignty and support an ally, Israel, against what they view as politically motivated legal actions. Critically, the resolution condemns the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli officials, which is seen by its proponents as an infringement on Israeli self-defense rights. Conversely, critics may view this resolution as undermining global efforts to hold individuals accountable for war crimes, potentially eroding international legal norms.

Congress_id

119-HRES-9

Policy_area

International Affairs

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR152

Reaffirming the deep and steadfast United States-Canada partnership and the ties that bind the two countries in support of economic and national security.

US SR239

A resolution reaffirming the deep and steadfast partnership between the United States and Canada and the ties that bind the 2 countries in support of economic and national security.

US SR188

A resolution recognizing April 4, 2025, as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, and reaffirming the leadership of the United States in eliminating landmines and unexploded ordnance.

US HJR77

Establishing that it shall be the policy of the Government of the United States to recognize the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within that nation's internationally recognized borders as established in 1991.

US SR167

A resolution recognizing the importance of the Arctic Council and reaffirming the commitment of the United States to the Arctic Council.

US HR431

Recognizing the importance of the Arctic Council and reaffirming the commitment of the United States to the Arctic Council.

US HB23

Illegitimate Court Counteraction ActThis bill imposes sanctions against foreign persons (individuals and entities) who assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting certain individuals.The bill categorizes as protected persons (1) any U.S. individual, U.S. entity, or person in the United States, unless the United States is a state party to the Rome Statute of the ICC and provides formal consent to ICC jurisdiction; and (2) any foreign person that is a citizen or lawful resident of a U.S. ally that is not a state party to the Rome Statute or has not consented to ICC jurisdiction.If the ICC attempts to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute a protected person, the President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions against the foreign persons that engaged in or materially assisted in such actions, as well as against foreign persons owned by, controlled by, or acting on behalf of such foreign persons. The President must also apply visa-blocking sanctions to the immediate family members of those sanctioned.Upon enactment, the bill rescinds all funds appropriated for the ICC and prohibits the subsequent use of appropriated funds for the ICC.

US HR361

Supporting the recognition of April 4, 2025, as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, and reaffirming the leadership of the United States in eliminating landmines and unexploded ordnance.

US HR1082

Recognizing 250 years of Polish-American friendship and reaffirming the interest of the United States of America in the democracy, sovereignty, prosperity, and security of Poland.

US HR533

Reaffirming the importance of the United States promoting the safety, health, and well-being of refugees and displaced persons in the United States and around the world.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.