Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose my colleague Congresswoman Claudia Tenney's amendment No. 34, which would maintain the arbitrary 25 percent cap on U.S. contributions to U.N. peacekeeping operations. I recently introduced legislation, the U.S. Commitment to Peacekeeping Act that would, among other things, permanently repeal this cap and ensure that the United States is fulfilling its commitments to the United Nations. As someone who used to work at the U.N. Department of Peace Operations, I know firsthand how the cap and resulting arrears have harmed our interests. It damages our standing and credibility at the U.N. making it difficult to effectively advocate for human rights. It reduces our ability to conduct proper oversight and accountability through needed reforms, something my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree is important. It also impairs peacekeeping missions' ability to operate and delays funding to peacekeepers. All of this makes it harder for the United States to advocate for and secure its interests. In order to fully lead on the global stage, we need to fully commit to our international obligations. Tenney amendment No. 34 is counterproductive. I oppose it in the strongest terms, and urge my colleagues to join me in rejecting these efforts to weaken our standing at the U.N. and around the world.”