Cliff Stearns: “I do not think my colleagues would be surprised to hear that the U.N. peacekeeping costs are on the rise. A recent…”

“I do not think my colleagues would be surprised to hear that the U.N. peacekeeping costs are on the rise. A recent Washington Post article reported that peacekeeping costs are expected to double this year to nearly $2 billion. This means that the United States will again be strapped with a financial and a personal burden, especially since the administration has stretched our military so much. Under the current formula, the U.S. pays about 30 percent, almost one-third of all the peacekeeping costs. Contrast that with China who is a member of the United Nations and they contribute a little less than 1 percent. The same China that the administration wants Congress to recognize for permanent normal trade relations. This antiquated formula has not changed for 26 years. A Republican led Congress has finally addressed this problem by requiring that United States arrears be tied to a more equitable formula. But this change is likely to meet with conflict. So who is shocked that many countries that have a free ride are balking at financial responsibility? Congress must maintain fiscal responsibility by requiring all members of the U.N. to do their share, including China.”