George Nethercutt on Foreign Policy

Former Republican Rep (WA-5); 2004 former Senate challenger

UN needs help from sovereign states

While the U.N. has helped the United States achieve some of its foreign policy goals in the past, the United Nations is clearly not capable of actively solving international problems by itself. Sovereign states must always have a primary role in resolving international conflicts, preserving basic human rights and reducing poverty. Source: House website, www.house.gov/nethercutt Feb 26, 2004

UN in need of reforms: terminate US payments to force them

I supported requiring the US to end its membership in the UN, cease paying dues to the UN and cease participation in UN peacekeeping missions. Although this amendment failed 54-369, my vote sent a strong message of concern about UN management and waste and the role of the United Nations in the world. I have also supported amendments to block the payment of arrears to the United Nations as a way to signal my serious concerns with UN reluctance to adopt sweeping reforms. Source: House website, www.house.gov/nethercutt Feb 26, 2004

Voted YES on keeping Cuba travel ban until political prisoners released.

Stop enforcing travel restrictions on US citizens to Cuba, only after the president has certified that Cuba has released all political prisoners, and extradited all individuals sought by the US on charges of air piracy, drug trafficking and murder. Bill HR 2590 ; vote number 2001-270 on Jul 25, 2001

Voted YES on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored.

Vote to adopt an amendment that would require that the United States be restored to its seat on the UN Human Rights Commission before the payment of $244 million in funds already designated to pay UN back dues. Reference: Amendment sponsored by Hyde, R-IL; Bill HR 1646 ; vote number 2001-107 on May 10, 2001

Voted NO on $156M to IMF for 3rd-world debt reduction.

Vote on an amendment that would transfer $156 million from foreign military financing to the Highly Indebted Poor Countries [HIPC] Trust Fund. The HIPC Trust fund is designed to help debtor countries pay off the money they owe to multilateral agencies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Reference: Amendment sponsored by Waters, D-CA; Bill HR 4811 ; vote number 2000-397 on Jul 13, 2000

Voted YES on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China.

Vote to give permanent Normal Trade Relations [NTR] status to China. Currently, NTR status for China is debated and voted on annually. The measure contains provisions designed to protect the United States from Chinese import surges and the administration would have to report annually on China's compliance with the trade agreement. The bill establishes a commission to monitor human rights, labor standards and religious freedom in China. Reference: Bill sponsored by Archer, R-TX; Bill HR 4444 ; vote number 2000-228 on May 24, 2000

Voted NO on $15.2 billion for foreign operations.

Vote on a bill to provide $15.2 billion for foreign operations in FY 2000. Among other provisions, the bill would provide $1.82 billion over three years for implementation of the Wye River peace accord in the Middle East. In addition, the measure would provide $123 million in multilateral debt relief and would contribute $25 million to the United National Population Fund. Reference: Bill sponsored by Callahan, R-AL; Bill HR 3196 ; vote number 1999-572 on Nov 5, 1999

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