ACU Cheers Henry Hyde's Push for United Nations Reform

Conservatives say Hyde's leadership “tremendous”

 ALEXANDRIA , VA - The American Conservative Union, the nation's oldest and largest Conservative grass roots organization, today applauded House International Affairs Committee Chairman Henry Hyde’s efforts to reform the United Nations. Chairman Hyde this week introduced the United Nations Reform Act of 2005, a bill that would mandate many long-needed reforms for the international bureaucracy and withhold funding if the improvements are not made. Currently, the U.S. pays 22 percent of the UN’s annual $2 billion general operating budget. Hyde's proposal would withhold one-half of America’s contribution if called for reforms are ignored.

"The United Nations Reform Act is a smart, common sense approach to United Nations ," said ACU Chairman David Keene. "Chairman Hyde is once again showing the tremendous leadership we have come to expect during his 33 years in Congress."

Chief among Hyde’s proposed reforms would be the adoption of sensible criteria for countries seeking membership in UN human rights organizations. Sudan and Cuba, two nations with abysmal human rights records, presently sit on the powerful UN Human Rights Council. Hyde’s bill would create an independent UN Oversight Board to investigate and help prevent abuses like the Oil for Food scandal. The United Nations Reform Act would also create a UN Ethics Office to help thwart abuses of power and conflicts of interest.

Finally, Hyde’s proposal would scale back spending on luxurious travel and fine dining for UN officials. The UN currently spends $400 million, or 20 percent of it annual budget, on conferences. These lavish events often cost as much as $8000 per hour, money that could be spent on medical services or education. The United Nations Reform Act would mandate a 10 percent cut in these conferences in 2007 followed by a 20 percent cut in 2008.

“The United States cannot and should not continue to bankroll an organization that continually misspends our money and refuses to address glaring ethical and oversight problems,” continued Keene. “House Leadership should bring this crucial bill to the floor as soon as possible. Furthermore, leaders in the Senate should move to adopt a companion bill so we can pass reform this year.”