Senate Democrats block bill to sanction International Criminal Court

Washington — Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked a Republican-led measure that would sanction the International Criminal Court, arguing that the bill as written would backfire on U.S. allies and companies. 

Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to vote with Republicans to advance the legislation. In a 54 to 45 vote, the bill fell short of the 60 votes needed to move it forward. 

"The bill before us is poorly drafted and deeply problematic. It will have many unintended consequences that undermine its primary goal," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said ahead of the vote.