[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 21 (Thursday, February 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           UNITED NATIONS TAX EQUALIZATION REFUND ACT OF 2011

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2011

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to 
H.R. 519, a bill that would prevent vital upgrades to security around 
the United Nations building and break America's promise to pay legally-
mandated U.N. dues. This legislation does not--as my Republican 
colleagues claim--reduce the deficit. In fact, the nonpartisan 
Congressional Budget Office determined that ``implementing H.R. 519 
would have no effect on the federal budget.'' Unfortunately, H.R. 519 
would undercut America's global leadership at a time when international 
cooperation is urgently needed to safeguard America's interests. I urge 
my colleagues to oppose this legislation.
  The United Nations Tax Equalization Fund (TEF) compensates American 
employees of the U.N. for U.S. taxes paid. Surplus credits remain in 
the TEF until the U.N. is instructed by the U.S. how they should be 
applied. The Department of State has instructed the U.N. to use $100 
million of these credits to increase security around the U.N. complex 
during the current U.N. building renovation, based on recommendations 
from the New York Police Department. As the host nation, the U.S. is 
responsible for the security of the U.N. Ignoring this problem, as the 
bill would have us do, endangers American lives, and the lives of our 
foreign guests. Under current law, the remaining $80 million in credits 
will be applied to offset upcoming U.N. assessments for critical 
peacekeeping operations in Haiti and elsewhere. This reduces the need 
for appropriated funds and lessens the burden on American taxpayers.
  If this bill is enacted into law, America would fail to pay its U.N. 
dues. Choosing to break promises the American people have made to the 
world could come at a high cost. With new competition on the world 
stage from China and other emerging nations, and during a time of hope 
and uncertainty in the Middle East, this is a terrible time to play 
political games with America's global standing.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 519, and preventing 
an ideological and imprudent assault on America's commitments to the 
United Nations.

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