Several members of the US Congress have introduced resolutions and bills related to the ICC and the Court's investigations and prosecutions. Senators and Representatives on both sides of the aisle have demonstrated increasing acceptance of the ICC as an international body in the global fight against impunity.
Indeed, US-ICC relations have evolved over the past decade. In the Court's early days, Congress passed anti-ICC legislation, including the American Servicemembers' Protection Act (ASPA) and the Nethercutt Amendment, which curtailed the extent to which the US could cooperate with the ICC. By 2008, Congress had repealed the sanctions provisions of ASPA and allowed the Nethercutt provision to expire without renewal.
Shift in Congress' Attitude towards the ICC
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The US Congress no longer treats the ICC with a sense of benign neglect. Many members of Congress have indicated their acceptance of criminal trials at the ICC. Congress has passed legislation that supports the work of the Court, such as legislation offering rewards for up to $5 million for persons facilitating the arrest of person accused by international courts and tribunals. Congress recognizes the role of the ICC in conflict situations of concern to Americans. The movement in Congress toward a more accepting approach to the ICC is crucially important to building a cooperative and enduring relationship between the US and the ICC.
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LEGISLATION ON WAR CRIMES IN SYRIA
In March of 2016, the 114th Congress passed a bill in the House condemning Syrian President al-Assad's actions against his civilian population and advocating for the establishment of a war crimes tribunal.
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This bill shows a strong bipartisan commitment among American legislators to defending basic human rights and condemning abuses of power and force against civilians.