In a blatant attempt by a lame-duck president to tie the hands of President Bush, former President Bill Clinton -- shortly before leaving office -- signed a treaty calling for the creation of the world's first permanent criminal court to try people for genocide and war crimes.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) treaty, which was opposed by the Defense Department, does not provide adequate protections for U.S. service members who could be subject to politically motivated prosecutions. It also claims "universal jurisdiction," meaning that the laws of the ICC would apply to all nations, even those who have not ratified the treaty. Only 27 countries have ratified the treaty, and the Court cannot convene until 60 nations have done so.

"I oppose U.S. cooperation with the Court, including evidence-sharing and financial support," Wamp said. "The United States already prosecutes U.S. citizens who break the law abroad and we should focus our efforts on encouraging other nations to do the same."

The new President has many options, including sending the treaty to the Senate with his recommendation to reject it, and simply letting it die a natural death.  "I am encouraged that President Bush has indicated that he will not send this fatally flawed treaty to the Senate for ratification" Wamp said.

It is unfortunate that, in a flurry of last minute regulations, rulemaking, Executive Orders and treaty signing, President Clinton neglected to see the profound impact many of his decisions will have on future generations.

By signing the treaty on the International Criminal Court, the President took another step to further erode America's sovereignty. Congress and the new President must now go about trying to undo President Clinton's recklessness with his executive powers and our nation's independence.