Senate Dems block bill that would sanction ICC

Senate Democrats successfully blocked a GOP-led bill to sanction the International Criminal Court on Tuesday afternoon, as they’ve tried to negotiate changes to the legislation with Republicans.

Republicans are pushing the bill in response to the ICC charging Israeli officials over the war in Gaza. Democrats, worried that the bill was too broad and could lead to sanctions against U.S. allies that are ICC member states and U.S. tech companies that provide support to the court, have been trying to negotiate language to address those concerns.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Democrats’ lead negotiator, told reporters those discussions were “ongoing” about two hours before the procedural vote. The status of those talks is now unclear, though the bill’s failure gives Shaheen more leverage.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has been struggling with how to keep his caucus united as the GOP pushes politically tough votes for his party. Earlier this month, enough Democrats backed a Republican-driven immigration bill to send it to President Donald Trump’s desk, and more votes are anticipated as the GOP takes full advantage of its trifecta.