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“UNITED NATIONS TAX EQUALIZATION REFUND ACT OF 2011” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E197 on Feb. 10, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
UNITED NATIONS TAX EQUALIZATION REFUND ACT OF 2011
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speech of
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 519, a bill that would prevent vital upgrades to security around the United Nations building and break America's promise to pay legally-
mandated U.N. dues. This legislation does not--as my Republican colleagues claim--reduce the deficit. In fact, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office determined that ``implementing H.R. 519 would have no effect on the federal budget.'' Unfortunately, H.R. 519 would undercut America's global leadership at a time when international cooperation is urgently needed to safeguard America's interests. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.
The United Nations Tax Equalization Fund (TEF) compensates American employees of the U.N. for U.S. taxes paid. Surplus credits remain in the TEF until the U.N. is instructed by the U.S. how they should be applied. The Department of State has instructed the U.N. to use $100 million of these credits to increase security around the U.N. complex during the current U.N. building renovation, based on recommendations from the New York Police Department. As the host nation, the U.S. is responsible for the security of the U.N. Ignoring this problem, as the bill would have us do, endangers American lives, and the lives of our foreign guests. Under current law, the remaining $80 million in credits will be applied to offset upcoming U.N. assessments for critical peacekeeping operations in Haiti and elsewhere. This reduces the need for appropriated funds and lessens the burden on American taxpayers.
If this bill is enacted into law, America would fail to pay its U.N. dues. Choosing to break promises the American people have made to the world could come at a high cost. With new competition on the world stage from China and other emerging nations, and during a time of hope and uncertainty in the Middle East, this is a terrible time to play political games with America's global standing.
I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 519, and preventing an ideological and imprudent assault on America's commitments to the United Nations.
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