Washington, D.C.—Iowa Congressman Steve King today offered an amendment on the House Floor intended to reign in U.S. funding to the United Nations.  Currently the U.S. pays $341 million a year, which is 22% of the overall budget and more than all other countries with veto power combined. 

In a statement given during debate, King said: 

“It is has occurred to me as well as many in this chamber that the United Nations has become a third world class envy society, where the strongest and most powerful countries’ foreign policy is dictated by countries who wish to undermine the United States.  It is entirely inappropriate that the United States must contribute an inordinate amount to provide a democratic platform to dictators and tyrants.  

U.N. membership, structure, and policy aside, it is preposterous that the United States continues to pay for 22 percent of the ENTIRE U.N. Regular Budget!  Currently that 22 percent is $341 million.  In fact the U.N. votes against the United States 32 percent of the time on important issues!  If you are still not convinced that it is in the best interest for the U.S. to reform the United Nations, I add that the U.S. currently contributes $115 million more to the U.N. regular budget than France, Germany, Russia, and China combined!  Our veto power should cost no more than what France, Russia, and China pay for theirs.  China only pays $24 million even though it is the world’s second largest economy!  The Russians only pay $19 million, which is less than Canada, Holland, Australia and Switzerland!  This is absolutely ridiculous and embarrassing that U.N. can operate in just an unjust manner.”    

This amendment:

• Would limit the U.S. contribution to the regular U.N. budget to no more than the highest amount paid by any other permanent UNSC member.  The rationale is simple:  Our veto power should cost us no more than what China, France, Russia, or the U.K. pay for theirs. 
• Would not affect U.S. payments to the U.N. for peacekeeping operations, voluntary programs, or membership organizations.  It would only affect the U.N. regular budget.  Even at this reduced amount the U.S. would still contribute over $1.4 billion to various U.N. programs, far more than any other country. 

The King of Iowa received 187 affirmative votes.