June 17, 2005

Akin Votes to Withhold U.N. Funds Until Reforms Are Made

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted to withhold up to half of the dues the United States contributes to the United Nations until corruption is addressed and crucial reforms are made.

“It is only by tying funds to actual reform can Congress exercise any real influence,” said Akin. “With the current level of corruption at the United Nations, it is irresponsible for Congress not to tie reform to funds contributed by the United States.”

Akin noted that after a string of U.N. scandals even many members who opposed the bill recognized the need for reform. Recent scandals have included widespread sexual exploitation of refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo by U.N. peacekeepers, and evidence that kickbacks were paid to the former director of the U.N. Oil-for-Food program by the regime of Sadam Hussein.

---

Return to Press Release Archive listing