Should SB4410 become law, it would significantly alter U.S. relations with the ICC and the Palestinian Authority. This would mean that officials in the United States could not engage with the ICC on any matter, thereby distancing American foreign policy from international judicial proceedings that seek accountability for alleged war crimes. Furthermore, ending financial support from the Economic Support Fund could destabilize the Palestinian Authority, affecting their governance and the socio-economic situation in the area.
Summary
SB4410, known as the Stop the ICC Act, seeks to prohibit United States cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), cut off any federal funding supporting the ICC, and halt the use of the Economic Support Fund for the Palestinian Authority. The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 23, 2024, and is rooted in U.S. legislative history, explicitly referencing provisions that have prevented economic support to the Palestinian Authority if they initiate an investigation against Israeli officials within the ICC framework.
Contention
The bill's introduction has sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups regarding U.S. commitment to international law and its implications on Middle Eastern politics. Supporters argue it thwarts what they see as politically motivated investigations against Israeli officials, thereby protecting U.S. allies. Conversely, opponents view SB4410 as a move that undermines international justice, potentially emboldening actions perceived as violations of international law. This dichotomy represents a significant point of contention in U.S. foreign policy discussions.
21st Century Peace through Strength Act MAHSA Act Mahsa Amini Human rights and Security Accountability Act SHIP Act Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act FEND Off Fentanyl Act Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence Off Fentanyl Fight CRIME Act Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports Act
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.