The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to approve the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,” a bill imposing sanctions on individuals involved in prosecuting U.S. citizens or allies, including Israeli leaders, in the International Criminal Court (ICC). The legislation, a response to the ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former defense minister, passed by a vote of 243 to 140.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), widely seen as a top contender to become the Democratic nominee for New Jersey governor in 2025, voted against the bill. In contrast, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a vocal supporter of Israel and another leading gubernatorial candidate, voted in favor, aligning himself with bipartisan support for the bill.
“Standing with Israel means standing against attempts to delegitimize its leaders,” Gottheimer said.
Other New Jersey representatives who supported the bill included Rep. Chris Smith, who represents Lakewood and has long championed pro-Israel policies. “This is about protecting the sovereignty of our allies and pushing back against a court that overreaches its mandate,” Smith said.
“Mikie Sherrill ducks again!” reacted top Republican gubernatorial contender Jack Ciattarelli. “First it was the bipartisan Laken Riley Act for public safety and border security, and now it’s a bipartisan bill to stand with Israel! Once again Congresswoman Sherrill was too afraid of her far left base to show up and cast a vote for our strongest ally. Shameful!”
The bill sanctions individuals who investigate, arrest, or prosecute U.S. citizens or allied nationals, including Israelis, outside ICC member states. Its passage underscores strong bipartisan support for Israel, even as lawmakers debate how best to address international accountability and justice.
Critics, including Sherrill, argue that the bill risks undermining international justice mechanisms. However, its supporters maintain that it is necessary to counter a “kangaroo court” that unfairly targets allies.
With both Sherrill and Gottheimer vying for New Jersey’s governorship, their differing votes could influence their appeal to key constituencies, particularly among Jewish voters and pro-Israel advocates.
Of course she would vote against it.MIKIE SHERILL IS A DEMOCRAT ESTABLISHMENT SHILL, who, like a puppy dog, looks to Nancy Pelosi and the other Regime Thugs for commands.. SIT, MIKIE, SIT! ROLL OVER MIKIE, ROLL OVER!!! BARK MIKIE, BARK!!! VOTE, MIKIE, VOTE!!! DON’T VOTE, MIKIE, DON’T VOTE!!! AN EMBARRASING GEORGE SOROS PUPPET.