But it has a strong sting of formal disapproval. These folks thumb their noses when faithful Catholics say they've excommunicated themselves, but only a ferendae sententiae excommunication will get the message across.
Actually, I doubt that seriously. The politicians I am sure we both have in mind couldn't care less about their moral state, the "approval" of the Vatican, or anything else except spitting in the eye of Holy Mother Church. They know the condition of their souls, and they not only do nothing about it, but continue in their sin.