Support Full U.S. Funding of the U.N.

Given the serious challenges currently facing our nation and the world, a strong U.S. engagement with the United Nations is more important than ever. The U.S. and the UN work together on many of the world’s most pressing issues—from the humanitarian needs of famine victims in the Horn of Africa and earthquake survivors in Haiti; to political crises in Libya and South Sudan; to ongoing violence in Iraq and Afghanistan; and reducing nuclear proliferation. It is difficult to find a moment in history when the UN has played a greater role in promoting American interests and keeping the world safe.

 

Unfortunately, this important partnership is in danger. In July, a House subcommittee slashed over $700 million in funding for the UN and its Peacekeeping missions. 

 

The House also passed H.R. 2829, a bill that calls for a moratorium on new or expanded UN peacekeeping operations, despite the fact that the Government Accountability Office reports that UN peacekeeping, in which other countries carry the burden of providing troops, is eight times less expensive than fielding a comparable U.S. force. HR 2829 will cut 50% of U.S. funding to the UN, and all funding to UN agencies that perform life-saving work including UNICEF and the World Food Program.

 

Members of Congress are currently negotiating on UN funding in our 2012 budget. Now, when the U.S.—UN relationship is so critical to global peace and security, is not the time to turn our backs on the world.

Ask them to support full U.S. funding for the UN as called for in the Obama Administration’s 2012 Budget. By failing to take account of the real world consequences of forfeiting our standing at the UN, cutting our support for the UN will undermine America’s national security, foreign policy, and economic interests, and likely lead to even greater costs to American taxpayers.

Via their websites: www.house.gov & www.senate.gov
Telephone: 202 224-3121 (Capitol switchboard)
Write: Representative or Senator (first name & last name)
US House of Representatives        or       US Senate
Washington, DC 20515                            Washington, DC 20515 

 

Photo credit: Blue Hill Harbor, Maine 2010, Lois Barber. 
Thanks to the Better World Campaign for its help in preparing this card.