To impose sanctions with respect to foreign persons of the International Criminal Court engaged in any effort to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute any protected person of the United States and its allies, and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Legislative Progress
IntroducedMr. Cotton (for himself, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Risch, Mr. Graham, …
Summary
What This Bill Does
This bill aims to punish the International Criminal Court (ICC) for any attempts to investigate or prosecute American citizens, military personnel, or officials from U.S. allied nations. It requires the President to impose economic and travel sanctions on anyone working with the ICC on such cases, and it cuts off all U.S. funding to the court.
Who Benefits and How
U.S. government officials and military personnel gain legal protection from international prosecution by making it costly for the ICC to pursue cases against them. Israeli government officials, specifically named in the bill's findings (Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant), would be shielded from ICC arrest warrants. NATO member countries and major non-NATO allies receive similar protective coverage, making their officials less likely to face ICC prosecution.
Who Bears the Burden and How
International Criminal Court officials and staff face visa bans preventing entry to the U.S. and asset freezes blocking their U.S. property and financial transactions. Any lawyers, investigators, or witnesses assisting ICC cases against protected persons could face the same sanctions. The ICC as an institution loses all U.S. funding, with appropriated money being rescinded immediately.
Key Provisions
- Mandatory sanctions within 60 days: The President must impose property blocking and visa bans on anyone who directly aids ICC investigations against U.S. or allied protected persons
- Broad definition of protected persons: Covers current and former U.S. government and military officials, plus officials from NATO countries and major non-NATO allies
- Complete funding cutoff: Rescinds all existing appropriations to the ICC and prohibits any future funding
- Extended reach to families: Sanctions can include visa bans on immediate family members of targeted foreign persons
- Congressional oversight: President must report to foreign affairs, judiciary, and financial services committees on sanctions implementation
Evidence Chain:
This summary is derived from the structured analysis below. See "Detailed Analysis" for per-title beneficiaries/burden bearers with clause-level evidence links.
Primary Purpose
This bill imposes sanctions on foreign persons involved with the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecututing protected persons of the U.S. and its allies.
Policy Domains
Bill Structure & Actor Mappings
Who is "The Secretary" in each section?
Key Definitions
Terms defined in this bill
Specific committees in the Senate and House of Representatives dealing with foreign relations, financial services, and judiciary.
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