Brian Mast: “That is a good lesson. Thanks. I will remain standing here. Mr. Speaker, it appears we will have no more speakers, and I…”

“That is a good lesson. Thanks. I will remain standing here. Mr. Speaker, it appears we will have no more speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, as I close debate, I want to reiterate my opposition to this misguided legislation. The International Criminal Court exists to hold the world accountable to prevent atrocities and to serve as a reminder that no one is above the law. Abandoning the ICC, as H.R. 23 proposes, undermines our values, undermines our alliances, and undermines our credibility on the world stage. This is a moment to reaffirm our commitment to human rights, to international law, and to the partnerships that have defined American leadership, and this bill fails that test. By sanctioning officials of the ICC and anyone who has done business with them, this bill would have a chilling effect on America's work to support human rights and rule of law around the world. It would hamper the ICC's efforts to prosecute serious atrocities that have wrecked lives and destabilized countries in many places around the world, from Ukraine to Uganda to Darfur. NGOs would be chilled from sharing evidence of the grave crimes committed in these places. Many of us celebrated in March of 2023 when the ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and another senior Russian official for abducting thousands of Ukrainian children. {time} 1030 Mr.…”