Germany said the UK could not "cherry-pick" while France said "a la carte" membership was not on the table.

BBC: EU leaders warn Cameron over membership referendum

But this is a congressionally created committee with congressional membership, no seats at the table for members of the administration.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

This would force unions to leave bargaining powers on the table in order to gain more membership.

FORBES: Yes, Unions Need Reinventing

With so many considerations on the table and opinions differing widely among the membership, no candidate has emerged as the true front-runner.

CNN: RNC race still wide open as members meet in Washington

"The indefinite action will continue until such a time as Leeds City Council gets round the table and brings something that is acceptable to our membership, " she added.

BBC: Rubbish

They want their leader to table a bill now for a future referendum on Britain's membership of Europe and to challenge Labour and the Liberal Democrats to back or reject giving the public their say.

BBC: Brewery joke highlights Tory nerves

It is far from guaranteed that joining the ICC in order to have a "seat at the table" will in any way allow the United States to guard against the pitfalls associated with membership.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Citizen-defendants of the world