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United Nations Transparency and Accountability Act of 2021
12/31/2022, 5:04 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4775
The main provisions of the bill include requiring the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the financial contributions of the United States to the UN, as well as the use of those funds by the UN. This report would need to be submitted annually and would provide detailed information on how US taxpayer dollars are being spent within the UN.
Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a UN Transparency and Accountability Board, which would be responsible for overseeing and ensuring that the UN is operating in a transparent and accountable manner. This board would have the authority to investigate any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse within the UN and report its findings to Congress. Furthermore, the bill seeks to increase transparency in the selection process for UN leadership positions, requiring the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the qualifications and selection criteria for these positions. Overall, the United Nations Transparency and Accountability Act of 2021 aims to hold the UN accountable for how it uses US taxpayer dollars and ensure that the organization operates in a transparent and responsible manner.
Congressional Summary of HR 4775
United Nations Transparency and Accountability Act of 2021
This bill requires various actions related to malign influence operations by other countries in the United Nations (UN), with such operations defined as coordinated actions by a UN member state to foster UN actions or attitudes that further that member state's interests in a manner inconsistent with the UN Charter.
The President shall direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN to vote for and promote policies to (1) oppose malign influence operations and UN employees involved in such operations, and (2) support Taiwan's membership or meaningful participation in UN entities. (Taiwan was expelled from the UN in 1971.)
The Department of State shall designate a senior level official to assist in implementing such policies and fulfill other related responsibilities.
The State Department shall also establish an Office of Multilateral Strategy and Personnel within the Bureau of International Organization Affairs to promote the candidacy of U.S. citizens for roles in international organizations, including the UN, and to coordinate support for non-U.S. candidates when appropriate.
The State Department shall increase by at least 50% the number of U.S.-sponsored Junior Professional Officer positions in the UN.
The President shall periodically review evidence and determine if any countries have engaged in malign influence operations that have threatened U.S. interests. The President must designate any such country as a malign global actor and provide an explanation to Congress for why the designation was made.
