MEASURE CONTAINS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE UN AND WITHHOLDS FUNDING UNTIL THOSE REFORMS ARE MET

Washington, Jun 17, 2005 - “The UN continues to be troubled by instances of corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). “All too often the actions of the UN go against the national interests of the United States, which is to promote democracy and economic freedom. Then there is the Oil-for-Food scandal and the fact that the senior management of the UN approved a vote of no confidence in the leadership of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.”

The House today approved H.R. 2745, the UN Reform Act, which sets forth a number of recommendations for change at the UN, and withholds 50 percent of American dues until it is clear that those reforms are carried forward. Explained Stearns, “The United States covers 22 percent of the UN’s regular budget – that is $440 million this year – far more than any other country. The time is now for strong U.S. leadership to enact meaningful, effective reform. This legislation will not weaken the UN, as some have suggested, but, in fact, make it stronger and more capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

H.R. 2745 focuses on the budget, streamlining and prioritizing of programs, oversight and accountability, peacekeeping, and human rights. It uses various methods of leverage to enact reforms, including (1) withholding of 50 percent of U.S. assessed dues if certifications are not made in the key areas; (2) mandating cuts in specific programs; (3) redirecting funds to priority areas; and (4) withholding U.S. support for expanded and new peacekeeping missions until certifications are made that reforms have been enacted.