Withholding 10 Percent of U.S. Dues to the United Nations Until it Defines International Terrorism (H.R. 3797)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 3797?
(Updated August 9, 2019)
This bill would require the Secretary of State to withhold ten percent of U.S. contributions to the United Nation’s (UN) biennial budget until the UN adopts a definition of “international terrorism” that’s aligned with U.S. laws. The term would be defined as terrorism involving one or more citizens of a country — or the territory of one or more countries as a safe haven or transit point — if such a country allows, tolerates, or disregards the activities of the involved citizens or use of territory.
In 2016 the U.S. provided about $3 billion to the United Nations, with about $600 million for the UN’s regular budget, nearly $2.4 billion to the UN’s peacekeeping fund, and additional voluntary contributions to other programs.
Argument in favor
The United Nations needs to play a larger role in fighting international terrorism, but that requires defining it. America should withhold 10 percent of its ordinary contributions to the UN until it does so.
Argument opposed
It would be unwise to antagonize the international community by withholding 10 percent of U.S. contributions to the United Nations until it adopts a definition of international terrorism.
Impact
The United Nations; and the Secretary of State.
Cost of H.R. 3797
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) introduced this bill to withhold 10 percent of the assessed U.S. contributions to the United Nations until the UN adopts a definition of international terrorism that’s consistent with U.S. law:
“Today, I am introducing the “Define It To Fight It” Act — a bill that withholds ten percent of our contributions to the United Nations until they define international terrorism — the very thing that they are supposed to be fighting.”
This legislation has the support of two Republican cosponsors in the House.
Media:
-
Sponsoring Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) Press Release
-
Greensboro News & Record (Previous Version)
-
Countable (Context)
-
Politifact (Context)
Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: honglouwawa / iStock)The Latest
-
IT: Israel escalates military operations in northern Gaza, and... How can you help your neighbors today?Welcome to Thursday, May 16th, mates... Israel is planning to escalate its military operations in northern Gaza, where 100,000 read more...
-
The Latest: Israel Attacks North and South Gaza, Nowhere Left for CiviliansUpdated May 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m. Israel is planning to escalate its military operations in northern Gaza, where 100,000 read more... Israel
-
Michael Cohen Takes the Stand in Trump Hush Money TrialUpdated May 15, 2024, 11:30 a.m. EST Michael Cohen, once Trump's personal lawyer, faced cross-examination in the former read more... Law Enforcement
-
IT: 💊 Research uncovers the impact of shield laws in abortion pill access, and... Are you ready to vote?Welcome to Tuesday, May 14th, subscribers... New research finds that "shield laws" have allowed abortion pill access to remain read more...