Before leaving for August recess, lawmakers introduced United Nations reform legislation, passed a new energy policy, and prepared a foreign affairs spending bill for action this fall.

UN Reform
 In July, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) introduced the Hyde UN Reform Act to the Senate. The Act mandates withholding 50 percent of U.S. dues to the UN and prevents U.S. support for new peacekeeping missions unless the UN adopts 32 of 39 proposals by 2007. The Act is a flawed approach to revitalizing the United Nations.

Also in July, Senators Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Norm Coleman (R-MN) introduced the United Nations Management, Personnel, and Policy Reform Act of 2005, which gives the President the authority to withhold UN dues if reforms are not forthcoming.

Energy Bill:
 In August, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 - the first energy legislation signed into law in nearly a decade. Unfortunately, the $14.5 billion Act does little to address the growing problem of global warming. An amendment introduced by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) requiring that 10 percent of U.S. produced electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2020, passed in the Senate but was removed during House negotiations. Other amendments seeking stricter emission standards to reduce green-house gases, including one sponsored by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), were also defeated.

Looking Ahead:
The FY 2006 appropriations process is nearly complete and lawmakers have yet to agree on totals for foreign affairs funding. Each chamber has produced its own appropriations bill, but a Conference Committee to reconcile bill differences has yet to be scheduled. Key disagreements center on funding for the Millennium Challenge Account, with the Senate earmarking $50 million more than the House, and the Conflict Response Fund, which the Senate funded at $74 million and the House neglected altogether.
 

Updated October 6, 2005