Rep. John McGuire Votes for the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative John McGuire (VA-05) today voted for the Illegitimate Court Counteraction (ICC) Act, legislation that would protect our allies, like Israel, from politically motivated attacks by biased international organizations. Rep. McGuire cosponsored this legislation that was originally authored by Reps. Chip Roy (TX-21) and Brian Mast (FL-21).

“We can no longer let the ICC go on a rampage and prosecute illegitimate cases that impact our allies,” said Rep. John McGuire. “The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act shows the ICC that the United States will not stand for their biased attacks on our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly pass the Illegitimate Court Counteraction (ICC) Act so we can support President Trump and ensure that he has this crucial information ready and on his desk on day one.” 

Background: 

• On May 20, the ICC Prosecutor filed applications for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. 
• The ICC does not have jurisdiction over the United States or Israel. 
• If the ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli officials, it would set a dangerous precedent that is a risk to the United States, given the ICC’s  bias towards Israel and deference towards adversaries like Iran and North Korea.
• Reps. Roy and Mast’s Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act imposes sanctions on the ICC and prevents the organization from investigating or prosecuting a United States person, or ally of the United States that are not part of the ICC or have not granted the ICC jurisdiction. 
• The legislation also Defines “ally of the United States” as NATO and major non-NATO ally member states including Israel.

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