In case you weren’t paying attention earlier this month, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House that calls for the removal of the United States from the United Nations.
HR 193 — titled as the “American Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2017” — was introduced by Rep Mike D Rogers [R-AL] on January 3 and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Six Republican members of the House have currently co-signed the bill: Rep Walter B Jones Jr [R-NC-3], Rep Andy Biggs [R-AZ-5], Rep Jason Smith [R-MO-8], Rep Thomas Massie [R-KY-4], Rep John J Duncan Jr [R-TN-2], and Rep Matt Gaetz [R-FL-1]
While its official title says it seeks to end membership in the U.N., there are several other key components of the bill which include: ending the 1947 agreement that the U.N. headquarters will be housed in the U.S., ending peacekeeping operations, removing diplomatic immunity, and ending participation in the World Health Organization.
HR 193 would repeal the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 and other specified related laws.
It requires: (1) the President to terminate U.S. membership in the United Nations (U.N.), including any organ, specialized agency, commission, or other formally affiliated body; and (2) closure of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.
It also prohibits: (1) the authorization of funds for the U.S. assessed or voluntary contribution to the U.N., (2) the authorization of funds for any U.S. contribution to any U.N. military or peacekeeping operation, (3) the expenditure of funds to support the participation of U.S. Armed Forces as part of any U.N. military or peacekeeping operation, (4) U.S. Armed Forces from serving under U.N. command, and (5) diplomatic immunity for U.N. officers or employees.
Should HR 193 pass and be signed into law, the act and its amendments will go into effect two years after its enactment. Let’s hope this bill does what most bills do once referred to committee — die there!