June 4, 2004 -- President Bush today nominated former Missouri Senator John Danforth, Republican, as the next ambassador to the United Nations.  Danforth, a popular moderate who has recently served as special envoy to Sudan, is expected to be easily confirmed by the Senate, perhaps as early as this month.

In a press release which was picked up by the Washington Post (read article), Citizens for Global Solutions raised strong concerns about his record on several UN issues in Congress. ySenator Danforth voted to put conditions on funding for international institutions, to cut funding for UN peacekeeping, and to limit funding of global family planning programs. Furthermore, in 1986, he even voted against sanctions against the Apartheid South Africa regime.

Citizens for Global Solutions urges the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to ensure in hearings that Senator Danforth is today committed to fulfilling our commitments to the United Nations on time, in full and without conditions

Key votes:

July 22, 1994 - 226. HR4603: Hollings amendment to kill Dole amendment to transfer $350 million from U.S. contribution to international peacekeeping operations to reimburse states for incarceration of illegal aliens. Danforth voted against. Amendment rejected 44-52.

June 23, 1994 - 165. S2182: Kempthorne amendment to prohibit money authorized to pay for United Nations peacekeeping operations and transfer the $300 million to pay for training U.S. troops. Danforth voted for. Amendment rejected 35-60.

July 29, 1991: A motion to kill the Pressler amendment withholding payment of U.S. arrears to various international organizations that did not employ enough U.S. citizens. Danforth voted against. Amendment rejected 25-72.

August 15, 1985: Byrd amendment to bar the importation of South African uranium, coal and fluor spar. Danforth voted against. Amendment failed 45-54.

June 11, 1985: A motion to table the Helms amendment continuing the President's ability to limit funding of international family planning programs. Danforth voted against. Amendment passed 53-45.

PRESS RELEASE:
Statement on the Nomination of Former Senator John Danforth as Ambassador to the United Nations
 (June 4, 2004