[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ``IT MATTERS WHEN AMERICA TAKES THE LEAD''--MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, in an era of increasing interdependence, no 
one nation alone can solve problems that cross national borders. That's 
why the United Nations [U.N.] was founded 50 years ago. In the last 
half of this century, the U.N. continues to address international 
social and economic problems such a terrorism, nuclear proliferation, 
the spread of disease, environmental degradation, and illicit drug 
trafficking.
  The United Nations is essential: the U.N.'s work benefits the United 
States and advances America's foreign policy. As the only international 
organization seeking to save succeeding generations from the scourge of 
war. U.N. peacekeepers and human rights monitors have helped build 
democratic forms of government and prevented regional and global 
conflicts. In an era of stringent domestic budgets, it makes sense to 
work through the United Nations to solve transnational problems. The 
United Nations is an investment in the future of our children and the 
children of the world.
  Making the United Nations more efficient: The United Nations has 
begun to implement internal reforms as the organization prepares for 
the next century, and yes, there is much that remains to be done. 
However we, as members of the United Nations, cannot seek reform when 
we have refused to meet our financial obligations. As U.N. Ambassador 
Madeleine Albright recently stated, ``To achieve reform, you have to be 
a builder, not a destroyer; you have to embrace change, but you also 
have to understand that change does not occur without cost.''
  Our continued commitment: Our concerned constituents are sending 
personal checks to the United Nations to demonstrate their concern 
about our financial obligations to the United Nations. These Americans 
believe the U.N.'s goals are being hindered by the $1 billion in back 
dues the United States has withheld. In fact, a recent poll conducted 
by the U.N. Association indicates that fully 64 percent of Americans 
believe the Congress should allocate enough resources to pay our dues 
in full and on schedule.
  That's why I'm introducing a concurrent resolution recognizing the 
important of the United Nations and calling on the United States to 
meet our financial obligations in a full, timely, and consistent 
manner. Paying our dues and supporting the ongoing reform efforts will 
help the United Nations to effectively and efficiently meet the 
challenges of the 21st century. I urge my colleagues to support this 
important measure.

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