KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We start with Wyoming, keep the source links front and center, and leave the decision up to you.

Back to Federal

HRES9 • 119

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

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

Active

The latest official action still shows this bill moving through Congress or waiting on another formal step.

Sponsor
Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ)
Last action
2025-01-03
Official status
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material did not provide specific details on the impact or response from other countries, leaving some uncertainty in that area.

U.S. Not Part of International Criminal Court

This resolution states that the United States is not part of an international court called the International Criminal Court and does not recognize its authority.

What This Bill Does

  • Says the U.S. is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  • Does not accept the ICC's authority over the U.S.
  • Condemns the ICC for issuing arrest warrant applications for Israeli leaders.
  • Supports Israel's right to defend itself from unwarranted international legal actions.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The United States government and its policies towards the International Criminal Court.
  • Israel, as it supports Israel's stance against the ICC.

Terms To Know

Rome Statute
A treaty that created the International Criminal Court to handle serious crimes like genocide and war crimes.
International Criminal Court (ICC)
An international court set up by the Rome Statute to prosecute people for very serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The resolution does not change any laws or create new ones.
  • It is unclear how other countries will respond to this resolution.

Bill History

  1. 2025-01-03 House floor actions

    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  2. 2025-01-03 Library of Congress

    Submitted in House

  3. 2025-01-03 Library of Congress

    Submitted in House

Official Summary Text

This resolution reaffirms that the United States in not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The resolution also (1) condemns the ICC's issuance of arrest warrant applications for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, and (2) supports Israel's right to defend itself and its leaders from unwarranted international legal actions.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 9 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 9

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

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 3, 2025

Mr. Biggs of Arizona submitted the following resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

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

Whereas the Constitution requires approval from two-thirds of the Senators
present for ratification and confirmation of international treaties;
Whereas President Bill Clinton signed the Rome Statute on December 31, 2000, but
did not submit the treaty to the Senate for ratification;
Whereas, on May 6, 2002, the Bush administration announced that the United
States does not intend to become a party to the Rome Statute of the
International Criminal Court;
Whereas Article 125 of the Rome Statute states that it is ``subject to
ratification, acceptance, or approval by signatory States'';
Whereas, on May 20, 2024, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court,
Karim Khan, took unprecedented measures announcing arrest warrant
applications for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister
of Defense Yoav Gallant;
Whereas the United States and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute or
members of the International Criminal Court; and
Whereas the United States does not recognize the legitimacy or jurisdiction of
the International Criminal Court: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) reaffirms that the United States is not a party to the
Rome Statute and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the
International Criminal Court;
(2) condemns the International Criminal Court's issuance of
arrest warrant applications for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant; and
(3) reiterates its unwavering support for the State of
Israel and its right to defend itself and its leaders from
unwarranted international legal actions.
<all>