South Lake Today

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released a statement after cosponsoring H.R. 8282, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. The proposed legislation aims to impose sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) officials who target U.S. citizens or allies of the U.S. who are not part of the ICC.

“This legislation is about protecting the sovereignty of the United States and our allies who do not grant the ICC jurisdiction,” said Rep. Webster. “When the Biden Administration revoked Trump-era sanctions on the ICC, he effectively granted the ICC permission to go after U.S. citizens and allies like Israel without consequence. By imposing sanctions against ICC officials and associates, the United States is sending the message that we will defend the sovereignty of our citizens and will protect our allies against illegitimate attacks.”

The background for this legislative action includes a recent announcement by ICC prosecutor Karim Khan that he is seeking arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli defense officials.

President Trump had issued Executive Order 13928 sanctioning any officials or associates of the ICC who investigate United States citizens, service members, or allies who do not recognize the authority of the ICC, such as Israel.

In 2021, President Biden revoked these sanctions, which has been interpreted by some as granting permission for the ICC to target United States citizens and allies.