GOP Urges Senate to Take Action on ICC Sanctions Bill

Senate Republicans are urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to bring a bill to the floor sanctioning the International Criminal Court for considering an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The bill passed the House recently with 42 Democrats joining every Republican in favor. However, Schumer is unlikely to schedule a vote as the White House opposes sanctioning the ICC.

“Our members are eager to take action on this issue,” said Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D. “We would like to see it addressed in the Senate.”

The bill has created divisions among Democrats, with some opposing the suggestion of charging Israeli and Hamas leaders for their actions following the Oct. 7 attacks, while others disagree with Netanyahu’s military response in Gaza.

If passed, the bill would impose travel and financial sanctions on ICC officials, which could be lifted by the president if the ICC stops issuing arrest warrants or investigations against U.S. officials or allies.

Schumer has been using floor time for “show votes” to aid vulnerable incumbents and create rifts among Republicans on important issues.

The Senate will be voting on the Right to Contraception Act this Wednesday, with Schumer planning to schedule a vote on legislation protecting IVF later this month. Additional show votes are in the works, according to Schumer.

“He’s the one who decides what gets put on the floor, and it seems like he wants us out more than he wants us in,” said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., to The Hill. “When we are in session, it appears he prefers a summer of show votes over anything else.”

Senate Republicans are uncertain about their approach to the sanctions bill messaging.

“I’m not sure what to expect, to be honest,” said Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to The Hill.