Harold Koh has been nominated to be the State Department Legal Adviser, a position that would make him the voice of the United States around the world on international legal issues. Koh is, however, a major champion of “transnationalism” – the belief that Americans should use foreign law and the views of international organizations to interpret our Constitution and determine our policies. He believes that the United States needs international permission in order to defend itself, even from imminent threats. Koh has gone so far as to refer to the United States as part of an “axis of disobedience” – along with Iran, North Korea, and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq – in reference to America’s alleged repeated violations of international law.
Where we are: The Senate vote on Koh is scheduled to take place Wednesday morning, June 24th. Because Senate Majority Leader Reid has filed a motion to invoke what is known as “cloture” – which would limit debate on Koh’s nomination, his supporters will need sixty Senators to vote in favor of the motion on Wednesday morning. If Koh gets sixty yes votes, he will effectively be confirmed for the State Department Legal Adviser post.
The number for the Senate switchboard – which can transfer you to the offices of both your Senators – is (202) 224-3121.
Please let your Senators know your views on this nomination.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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