Thune: The World Is Watching

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor to condemn the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant. Thune called on Majority Leader Schumer to immediately bring bipartisan legislation to the Senate floor that would sanction the ICC for its unlawful action.

Thune's remarks below (as delivered):

"Mr. President, before I begin I'd like to say a word about the International Criminal Court's issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant.

"The ICC's decision is outrageous, unlawful, and dangerous.

"Israel has a right to defend itself, and the ICC's rogue actions only enable the terrorists who seek to wipe Israel off the map.

"These actions threaten Israel, but, left unchecked, they could pose a threat to the United States in the future.

"The Senate needs to stand strongly with our ally at this time.

"I am again calling on Leader Schumer to bring a bill to the floor sanctioning the ICC, which the House has already passed with bipartisan support.

"Last night, the Senate sent a strong bipartisan message of support for Israel by rejecting resolutions that would have denied Israel the lethal aid that they need.

"Now the Democrat leader needs to bring up the ICC sanctions bill.

"If he chooses not to act, the new Senate Republican majority next year will.

"We will stand with Israel and make this bill - and other supportive legislation - a top priority in the next Congress.

"In six weeks, Republicans will retake the majority here. And when we do, we will make it clear that the United States stands squarely in Israel's corner."

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