William Helms: “I thank the Chair. We have a responsibility as Senators to enact an insurance policy for our troops and our…”

“I thank the Chair. We have a responsibility as Senators to enact an insurance policy for our troops and our officials--such as Secretary of State Powell--to protect them from a U.N. Kangaroo Court where the United States has no veto. That is precisely what this amendment is all about. Let me state for the record, to be absolutely certain there is no mistake made about it, (1) this amendment will prohibit U.S. cooperation with the court, including use of taxpayer funding or sharing of classified information; (2) it will restrict a U.S. role in peacekeeping missions unless the United Nations specifically exempts U.S. troops from prosecution by this international court; (3) it blocks U.S. aid to allies unless they too sign accords to shield U.S. troops on their soil from being turned over to the court; and (4) it authorizes the President to take any necessary action to rescue U.S. soldiers, any service man or woman, improperly handed over to that Court.”