Should Countries That Oppose the U.S. Position at the United Nations Not Get Foreign Aid? (H.R. 28)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 28?
(Updated August 25, 2021)
This bill would prohibit countries that oppose the position of the U.S. when voting at the United Nations from receiving U.S. foreign aid. An exemption would be allowed for countries that have recently experienced a fundamental change in their leadership and policies toward the U.S. and change their voting policies at the U.N. Additionally, the president could exempt a country from this bill’s prohibition if they determine it’s in the interest of national security.
Argument in favor
Countries that consistently oppose U.S. positions on matters brought before the United Nations General Assembly shouldn’t get foreign aid from the American taxpayer.
Argument opposed
It would be spiteful for the U.S. to cut off foreign aid to countries simply for opposing the American position at the United Nations.
Impact
Foreign countries; and the U.S. government.
Cost of H.R. 28
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) has introduced this legislation in each session of Congress 2005, becoming the latest Republican to take up its sponsorship after former Rep. William Goodling (R-PA) first introduced it in March 1999. Gohmert said of the bill in 2005:
“It is critical that some of these nations receiving vast amounts of U.S. tax dollars realize some of us are tired of their working so hard against us. By introducing this legislation, I am continuing to encourage a deep look at our role as benefactor to countries who work so hard against us. Throwing money at our enemies has made them more contemptuous, not less. It is the role of government to protect its people, not pay others to hate us.”
This legislation has no cosponsors in the current session of Congress. Last Congress, it had the support of two cosponsors, both of whom were Republicans.
Media:
Summary by Eric Revell
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