House Votes to Block Aid to Some Countries

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON -- U.S. economic aid could only flow to countries that have agreed not to surrender Americans to a world court for prosecution for war crimes, under a measure the House approved Thursday.

The 241-166 vote by the Republican-controlled chamber expanded the current prohibition on military aid to such countries.

The target of the amendment was the International Criminal Court, which began operating last year in The Hague, Netherlands. It is a permanent court that is supposed to enter cases involving genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when the countries involved cannot work out a solution on their own.

"If these countries want to receive money from the United States, it's simple" -- sign an agreement not to turn over Americans, said Rep. George Nethercutt, R-Wash., the provision's sponsor.

Nethercutt received backing from House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, a longtime critic of the court. DeLay called tribunal "Kofi Annan's kangaroo court," a reference to the United Nations secretary-general.

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-congress-war-crimes,0,7354312.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

[2Design]

1. rethug strong arm spreads evil across the world to protect torturers

[PROUDNWLIBERAL]

2. Dump George Nethercutt

George Nethercutt is running for the Senate in Washington State. He's the guy that ran against Tom Foley with the campaign slogan of term limits---then when he got into office and his time was up he decided to stay on---he has little or no credibility. And yes, I would like to see Americans held responsible before the World Court. Start with Bush Family and work down. If a US soldier does wrong they should be brought to justice! They shouldn't be allowed to kill 'rag heads' and then given parades back home, and honored by the VFW!

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. So Congress is now into blackmail?

Can we expect a protection racket soon?

DeLay is an ignorant fucker, isn't he?
"The International Criminal Court is an independent international organisation. In accordance with article 2 of the Rome Statute, the relationship with the United Nations system is governed by an agreement that has been approved by the Assembly of States Parties and will be concluded by the President of the Court on its behalf."
http://www.icc-cpi.int/ataglance/whatistheicc/history.html

He doesn't even know what he's attacking.

[NJmaverick]

4. The repugs have to protect the king george and his regime

Don't you know

[struggle4progress]

5. Them thugs must be feelin' all nervous an' sweaty. eom

[lottie244]

6. It's simple: the US is above any law...even its own.

If you want to do business with the Republican-neocon-run US you must let us piss on you and your laws and your dignity. Yes, it's real simple.

[dethl]

7. Bush trying to cover his butt for his invasion

I really hope this doesn't make it past the senate. This is like flipping off the world while continuing to torture Iraqi prisoners (oh wait...isn't Bush already doing that?).

This is a sick little law they're trying to pass here.