H.R.400 - No taxpayer funding for United Nations Human Rights Council Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 400, the "No taxpayer funding for United Nations Human Rights Council Act," aims to prohibit U.S. contributions to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The bill mandates the Secretary of State to withhold funds from the U.S. contribution to the UN's regular budget, equivalent to the amount the UN allocates to support the UNHRC. It also prohibits any voluntary contributions to the UNHRC.
The bill rescinds any funds withheld, preventing them from being considered arrears owed to any UN entity. Introduced in the House of Representatives, the bill was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would result in a reduction of U.S. financial support to the UNHRC. This could impact the UNHRC's operations and programs, potentially limiting its ability to address human rights issues globally.
The bill could also strain the relationship between the U.S. and the UN, as well as other nations that support the UNHRC.
Potential Benefits
- Potential savings for U.S. taxpayers by reducing contributions to an organization some view as ineffective or biased.
- Sends a signal of disapproval to the UNHRC if the U.S. believes the council is not fulfilling its intended purpose.
- Could incentivize reforms within the UNHRC to address concerns about its membership and operations.
- Reallocation of funds to other areas deemed more aligned with U.S. interests and values.
- Reinforces U.S. sovereignty in deciding how taxpayer money is spent.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced U.S. influence within the UNHRC, potentially allowing other nations with differing values to shape its agenda.
- May weaken international efforts to address human rights abuses globally.
- Could damage the U.S.'s reputation as a supporter of human rights.
- May lead to retaliatory measures from other nations or the UN.
- Limits the U.S.'s ability to directly engage with and influence the UNHRC's activities.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power of the purse, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the authority to control government spending. Congress can decide to withhold or allocate funds as it sees fit.
However, the bill's impact on international relations and treaty obligations could raise questions about the executive branch's authority in foreign affairs. The President, as head of the executive branch, is typically responsible for conducting foreign policy, but Congress can influence this through legislation.
There is no direct conflict with specific constitutional amendments, but the broader implications for human rights advocacy could be debated in light of the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).