John Sarbanes: “this amendment, referring to pages 160 to 162 of the bill, takes out subsection (g), which is a subsection that puts…”

“this amendment, referring to pages 160 to 162 of the bill, takes out subsection (g), which is a subsection that puts forward the possibility that the United States might withdraw from the United Nations. I am very frank to tell you that I don't think the prospect of that eventuality ought to be raised in this legislation. This legislation, in effect, says that if the amount of funds made available for U.S. membership exceed a certain figure, then withdrawal is required. Of course, we determine the amount of funds that are made available. In any event, even if the figure is exceeded, I don't think a withdrawal sanction ought to be incorporated in this legislation. If you stop and think about it, that is quite a sweeping proposition. Let me quote from paragraph (2) of that subsection: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States shall withdraw from an international organization. . . . It then goes on to set out the procedures for doing so, and the deadline for doing so. Let me read for a second. Unless otherwise provided for in the instrument concerned, a withdrawal under this subsection shall be completed within one year in which the withdrawal is required. Then it requires the President to submit a report on the withdrawal. I hope that the managers of the bill, upon reflection, will agree with me that we ought not to be including in the legislation any provisions that carry with them the implication of withdrawal from the United Nations.”