The potential establishment of an International Criminal Court (ICC) is a bad idea for the United States of America. The Bush Administration has not pursued ratification of the Treaty of Rome, which would establish an ICC. Such a mechanism is likely to become politicized and may be used to prosecute American leaders, military personnel and other U.S. citizens without regard for rights under our Constitution.

American rights could be threatened by an independent international institution that would be capable of punishing Americans for actions it considers to be violations of international law. If the House has any voice on this issue, I will oppose the establishment of the ICC.