Congressman opposes bill by US House Republicans to sanction ICC

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Congressman Jason Crow declared his opposition Monday to legislation that would impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"The bill before us, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, will do significant damage to our national security, to American leadership in the world, and prohibit a more measured method of addressing the issue. In short, it is bad for America," Crow said before the House Rules Committee voted 9-3 to advance legislation designed to punish the ICC after its chief prosecutor Karim Khan recommended war crimes charges against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Stressing that he is a "longtime supporter" of Israel's security and someone with concerns about the ICC’s approach to the case, Crow said: "I also come before you today as someone who believes that America is best when we lead with our values, uphold rules based-institutions and differentiate ourselves from our adversaries."

Following the ICC's decision, Republican lawmakers called for the US to impose sanctions on the Court.

The House is expected to pass the bill later this week and send it to the Senate.