AMERICA’S BREXIT? New bill could pull US out of UN in funding row

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The act would take effect two years after it is signe

Proposed by congressman Mike Rogers, the American Sovereignty Restoration Act also seeks a complete withdrawal from membership of the World Health Organisation.

And Republicans have even demanded the UN remove its headquarters from New York in a shocking blow to global relations.

Doing so would mean repealing the United Nations Participation Act of 1945, which was enacted just months after the end of World War II.

But the new President seems intent on honouring his commitment to protect US sovereignty, in a move reminiscent of the UK’s vote to leave the European Union.

Quietly introduced on January 3, the act was quickly passed on to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where it has been sponsored by at least half a dozen supporters including Missouri Representative Jason Smith.

The bill reads: “The President shall terminate all membership by the United States in the United Nations in any organ, specialised agency, commission, or other formally affiliated body of the United Nations…

“The United States Mission to the United Nations is closed. Any remaining functions of such office shall not be carried out.”

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Republicans have even demanded the UN remove its headquarters from New York

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The act would take effect two years after it is signed

Under the initial proposals, the bill would also prohibit “the authorisation of funds for the US assessed or voluntary contribution to the UN”.

This would include spending on military or peacekeeping expenditures, the use of the US military by the UN, and the loss of “diplomatic immunity for UN officers or employees” on US soil.

And the measure would even go so far as to stop “diplomatic immunity for UN officers or employees”.

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The time is now to restore and protect American sovereignty and get out of the United Nations

Republican Mike Rogers

Multiple bills calling for the withdrawal from the UN have been put forward in recent years, including one from Mr Rogers which was pitched in 2015, albeit unsuccessfully.

Speaking at the time, the Republican said: “Why should the American taxpayer bankroll an international organisation that works against America's interests around the world?

“The time is now to restore and protect American sovereignty and get out of the United Nations.”

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President Trump has vowed to put "America first"

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The bill seeks a complete withdrawal from membership of the World Health Organisation

Should his proposals pass, the act would take effect two years after it is signed.

It is believed the bill will be debated in the House Committee at an undisclosed date.

The bill comes after Nikki Haley, who was tipped to be the next UN ambassador for the US, claimed the world body is doing "more harm than good”.

If the US remains in the UN, she is expected to push for reconsideration of America's funding – contributing a whopping 22 per cent of the body’s annual budget.

Original Article