This year’s House Appropriations bill represents some of the most extreme cuts to international assistance in U.S. history – effectively zeroing out America’s investments in the UN Regular Budget and dozens of UN programs and agencies, as well as failing to address mounting arrears to UN Peacekeeping. As the bill moves to a vote, it’s critical to remind lawmakers that supporting the UN and our allies who rely on the life-saving work of the organization reflects American values, keeps America safer, and maintains global peace and security.
Tell Congress to Fully Fund the UN
Congress ultimately holds the purse strings on how the U.S. spends its money, and they need to hear from you. Ask Congress to do its part and ensure that America meets our financial commitments to the UN in FY24.
Dear [elected official],
Since the U.S. helped establish the United Nations more than 75 years ago, the UN has been an essential forum for the U.S. to advance our interests, promote our values, and help share the load around complex global challenges.
As you know, the House and Senate are in the final stages of developing the FY24 federal budget. I’m especially concerned about language included in the House version that would eliminate funding to the UN Regular Budget and dozens of programs that foster global peace and security, support global health, and ensure the U.S. stays engaged in some of the most important debates of our generation. This is the first time in history that such draconian recommendations have made it this far. Moreover, the House bill would increase our arrears owed to the UN Peacekeeping Budget, which now exceed $1 billion. These debts shortchange our allies and put our national security at risk.
Recent polling reveals overwhelming support from across the political spectrum for staying engaged in the UN. By not paying our UN dues, however, the U.S. would ultimately lose its voting rights in the General Assembly. I’m among the majority of Americans who believe that would be detrimental to our nation’s position worldwide and have calamitous consequences for our allies. I’m reaching out to urge you to restore sound policy to the appropriations process by restoring full funding for the UN Regular Budget.
At a time when our world is facing unprecedented challenges, we can’t just go it alone. I believe you understand the need for U.S. leadership on the world’s biggest stage, and hope Americans can count on you to pass a budget that meets our obligations to the UN.