Why GOP Lawmakers in Utah are Taking a Stand Against the United Nations

Utah Rep. John Curtis and Sen. Mike Lee Lead the Charge

Utah Representative John Curtis and Senator Mike Lee are cosponsoring a bipartisan bill, the Stand With Israel Act, to cut funding from the United Nations Human Rights Council. The move comes after the U.N. General Assembly failed to pass a resolution condemning the Hamas attacks on Israel. Curtis believes that U.S. taxpayers should not support a council that allows countries with poor human rights records to divert attention from their own abuses and target Israel.

Curtis’ concerns about Iran, its proxies, and issues within the U.N. have been confirmed with the recent Hamas attack on Israel. Utah Senator Mike Lee shares the same sentiment and has already begun drafting legislation to officially withdraw funding from the international organization. Lee believes that if the U.N. cannot even condemn war crimes, it’s time to cut off funding.

The Stand With Israel Act

The Stand With Israel Act, introduced by Representative Anna Paulina Luna, aims to cut funding from the U.N. until the organization condemns Hamas’ attack on Israel, which resulted in the death of 1,400 Israelis. Luna argues that it shouldn’t be difficult for the U.N., which claims to promote global human rights, to pass a resolution denouncing one of the deadliest attacks against the Jewish people in history.

The Role of the United States and Concerns about Iran

The United States has been the biggest backer of the U.N., contributing nearly $12.5 billion in 2021. However, with concerns about the U.N.’s effectiveness and the appointment of Iran as a leader in the U.N. Human Rights Council, Utah lawmakers are questioning the allocation of taxpayer dollars.

Iran’s record of oppression, torture, and executions make it unsuitable for the post, yet Tehran has held the position four other times. The U.S. recognizes that Iran backs terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Iraq and Syria.

Time for Action

With bipartisan support from Utah’s Republican lawmakers, the bill to cut funding from the United Nations is gaining momentum. By taking a stand, they aim to hold the U.N. accountable for its failures to address human rights abuses and condemn acts of terrorism.

As the debate continues, the impact of this legislation could have far-reaching consequences for the United Nations and its future funding.