Summary
The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act proposes to penalize foreign individuals and entities that support the International Criminal Court (ICC) in legal actions against Americans or citizens of U.S. allies. Specifically, the bill targets those who assist in the investigation, arrest, or prosecution of U.S. citizens and residents, as well as citizens of allied countries that do not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction. If the ICC attempts to take such actions, the President would be required to block the property and revoke the visas of the foreign persons involved, including their immediate family members.
Additionally, the bill aims to cut off all financial ties between the United States government and the ICC. It proposes to rescind any previously allocated funds and would prohibit the use of future taxpayer money to support the court's operations. By implementing these measures, the bill seeks to discourage the international court from pursuing legal cases against individuals protected by the United States and its partners.
For everyday citizens, this legislation would primarily impact international relations and the legal protections of Americans traveling or working abroad. It establishes a firm federal policy against the ICC's authority over U.S. persons, using economic and travel restrictions as a tool to prevent international prosecution. While the bill has been introduced and debated in the Senate, it has not yet passed and would require a presidential signature to become law.
AI-generated summary
Lifecycle of the Bill
S.Amdt.95Proposed
Scott, Tim
S.Amdt.96Proposed
Cruz, Ted
S.Amdt.97Proposed
Paul, Rand
Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 45. Record Vote Number: 22. (CR S410)
Jan 28, 2025
Jan 28, 2025, 2:23 PM ET
SenateRejected
On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed
On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed
54 Yes
45 No
VoteCloture (MTP)Senate
On January 28, 2025, the Senate voted 54-45 on a cloture motion to proceed to H.R. 23, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. The motion failed, as it fell short of the 60 votes required to invoke cloture and allow the Senate to begin formal consideration of the bill. This was a procedural vote about whether to start debate, not a vote on the bill's substance. The vote was largely partisan, with 53 Republicans voting to proceed and all but one Democrat voting against. One Democrat joined Republicans in support. No Republicans voted against the motion. The overwhelming party-line split reflects deep disagreement over whether the Senate should even take up this legislation. Because cloture failed, H.R. 23 is blocked from advancing to the Senate floor under current rules. The bill cannot proceed to debate or a final vote unless supporters can secure additional votes or pursue alternative procedural strategies.
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S307)
Jan 23, 2025
Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S307)
Jan 23, 2025
S.Amdt.95Proposed
Scott, Tim
S.Amdt.96Proposed
Cruz, Ted
S.Amdt.97Proposed
Paul, Rand
Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 45. Record Vote Number: 22. (CR S410)
Jan 28, 2025
Jan 28, 2025, 2:23 PM ET
SenateRejected
On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed
On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed
54 Yes
45 No
VoteCloture (MTP)Senate
On January 28, 2025, the Senate voted 54-45 on a cloture motion to proceed to H.R. 23, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. The motion failed, as it fell short of the 60 votes required to invoke cloture and allow the Senate to begin formal consideration of the bill. This was a procedural vote about whether to start debate, not a vote on the bill's substance. The vote was largely partisan, with 53 Republicans voting to proceed and all but one Democrat voting against. One Democrat joined Republicans in support. No Republicans voted against the motion. The overwhelming party-line split reflects deep disagreement over whether the Senate should even take up this legislation. Because cloture failed, H.R. 23 is blocked from advancing to the Senate floor under current rules. The bill cannot proceed to debate or a final vote unless supporters can secure additional votes or pursue alternative procedural strategies.
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S307)
Jan 23, 2025
Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S307)
Jan 23, 2025
