H.R.1498 - Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2025; DEFUND Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1498, the "Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2025" or "DEFUND Act of 2025," proposes the termination of United States membership in the United Nations and all its affiliated bodies. This includes repealing the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 and the United Nations Headquarters Agreement Act. The bill also seeks to end financial contributions to the UN and prohibits participation in UN peacekeeping operations.
Furthermore, it mandates the withdrawal of the UN from US government facilities and revokes diplomatic immunity for UN officials. The bill also repeals US participation in the World Health Organization and any UN conventions and agreements.
Finally, it prohibits the President from re-entering any agreements for membership in the UN without Senate approval, including a provision for the right of the US to withdraw from such agreements.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would fundamentally alter the United States' relationship with the United Nations, leading to a complete withdrawal from the organization and its associated entities.
This would result in the closure of the US Mission to the UN, the cessation of financial contributions, and the removal of UN presence from US soil. It would also require the US to renegotiate or abandon numerous international agreements and conventions.
The bill would likely prompt significant debate regarding the role of the US in international affairs and the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings from discontinued UN contributions.
- Increased national sovereignty and reduced influence of international bodies.
- Ability to prioritize domestic policies without international constraints.
- Elimination of perceived bureaucratic inefficiencies associated with UN involvement.
- Greater control over foreign policy decisions without UN influence.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced US influence in global affairs and international diplomacy.
- Potential damage to international relations and alliances.
- Loss of access to UN resources and expertise in areas like peacekeeping, health, and development.
- Increased difficulty in addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and humanitarian crises.
- Negative impact on the US's reputation as a global leader and partner.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's provisions regarding treaty withdrawal and congressional control over international agreements could be seen as an assertion of constitutional powers related to foreign policy. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and Article II, Section 2 gives the President the power to make treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate.
However, the constitutionality of unilaterally withdrawing from international agreements and revoking diplomatic immunities could be subject to legal challenges, particularly if such actions conflict with established international law or treaty obligations. The bill's requirement for Senate approval for re-entry into the UN aligns with the treaty-making power outlined in the Constitution.
Furthermore, the First Amendment could be invoked if the bill is argued to infringe on the rights of individuals or organizations to engage with the UN or express their views on international issues.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).