Steven Holt: “Mr. Chairman, whatever any American may have thought about UNESCO when the U.S. withdrew in 1984, today UNESCO is a…”

“Mr. Chairman, whatever any American may have thought about UNESCO when the U.S. withdrew in 1984, today UNESCO is a different body. It has adopted a culture of reform that is improving management and streamlining personnel and putting the organization's finances in order. Today UNESCO is an efficient and effective advocate for free speech, for education and scientific collaboration worldwide. Membership in UNESCO would benefit every American. As the gentleman friend from California (Mr. Lantos) pointed out, even former Secretary Shultz, who presided over U.S. withdrawal, now has reversed his position, has indicated that the improvements call for reentry of U.S. into UNESCO. Now, as a scientist and a policy maker, I believe that UNESCO would lead, of course, to cultural enrichment but even more. CIA director George Tenet recently testified that some of the greatest threats to the U.S. from abroad come from official corruption, endemic poverty, mass illiteracy, environmental disruption, and the spread of infectious diseases. UNESCO addresses these emerging threats by promoting good government, universal education, sustainable development, and disease control. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Tancredo amendment.”