Withholding 10 Percent of U.S. Dues to the United Nations Until it Defines International Terrorism (H.R. 3797)

What is H.R. 3797?

(Updated August 9, 2019)

This bill would require the Secretary of State to withhold ten percent of U.S. contributions to the United Nation’s (UN) biennial budget until the UN adopts a definition of “international terrorism” that’s aligned with U.S. laws. The term would be defined as terrorism involving one or more citizens of a country — or the territory of one or more countries as a safe haven or transit point — if such a country allows, tolerates, or disregards the activities of the involved citizens or use of territory.

In 2016 the U.S. provided about $3 billion to the United Nations, with about $600 million for the UN’s regular budget, nearly $2.4 billion to the UN’s peacekeeping fund, and additional voluntary contributions to other programs.

Argument in favor

The United Nations needs to play a larger role in fighting international terrorism, but that requires defining it. America should withhold 10 percent of its ordinary contributions to the UN until it does so.

Argument opposed

It would be unwise to antagonize the international community by withholding 10 percent of U.S. contributions to the United Nations until it adopts a definition of international terrorism.

Impact

The United Nations; and the Secretary of State.

Cost of H.R. 3797

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) introduced this bill to withhold 10 percent of the assessed U.S. contributions to the United Nations until the UN adopts a definition of international terrorism that’s consistent with U.S. law:

“Today, I am introducing the “Define It To Fight It” Act — a bill that withholds ten percent of our contributions to the United Nations until they define international terrorism — the very thing that they are supposed to be fighting.”

This legislation has the support of two Republican cosponsors in the House.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) Press Release
  
• Greensboro News & Record (Previous Version)
  
• Countable (Context)
  
• Politifact (Context)