Political Quotes

“I rise to oppose the amendment to withhold U.S. contributions to the United Nations offered by my colleague from South Dakota, on the grounds that it violates the solemn treaty obligations of the United States. Certainly, the United Nations could benefit from increased scrutiny of its operations. When abuses are suspected they should be appropriately investigated. The United Nations could greatly benefit from a thorough investigation of its practices and policies with the aim of improving efficiency and curbing abuses. However, to withhold our assessed contribution violates our commitments under the U.N. Charter and the Constitution. Article VI of the Constitution is clear on this point. All treaties made 'shall be the supreme law of the land.' Agreed to by two-thirds of the Senate. We have been down this path before. In the 1980's, the Senate passed a similar amendment offered by Senator Kassebaum which also reduced our contribution to the United Nations. What did this achieve? The United States was transformed into the biggest deadbeat at the United Nations. We ran up huge arrearages, still totalling hundreds of millions. We lost moral authority within the institution. And we undermined our ability to affect the very changes sought by the Kassebaum amendment. Changes were made due to the financial crisis we helped to create. Some were beneficial. But they were achieved at great cost to our reputation for fidelity to our international commitments.”