# Plain Language Summary: DEFUND Act of 2023

This bill would completely withdraw the United States from the United Nations and all its related organizations. If passed, the President would be required to end all U.S. membership in the UN, shut down the U.S. Mission to the United Nations (the office that represents America at the UN), and stop all funding to the organization. The bill also repeals the laws that originally authorized U.S. participation in the UN back in 1945, essentially erasing the legal foundation for American involvement in the organization.

Beyond just leaving the UN, the bill goes much further. It would prohibit the United States from participating in any UN peacekeeping operations anywhere in the world. It would also end U.S. participation in the World Health Organization, which is a UN agency that coordinates global health responses and disease prevention. The bill removes all special privileges and immunities that UN officials and foreign diplomats currently enjoy while in the United States, meaning they would no longer have the legal protections that allow them to operate freely. Additionally, UN offices would be forced to vacate any U.S. government buildings or property they currently occupy.

The bill also prevents the U.S. from rejoining the UN in the future without Senate approval, and even then, only if there's a specific clause allowing the country to withdraw again. No federal money could be spent on UN contributions or activities, except for the costs of actually leaving the organization and bringing home American personnel and equipment. The Secretary of State would be required to formally notify the UN that America is leaving.

In practical terms, this would represent a complete reversal of America's role in global affairs for nearly 80 years. The U.S. would no longer participate in international peacekeeping efforts, global health coordination, or the diplomatic forums where countries negotiate on shared problems. This would be a dramatic shift in how America engages with the rest of the world.

DEFUND Act of 2023

Roy, Chip

Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2023 or the DEFUND Act of 2023 This bill directs the President to terminate U.S. membership in the United Nations (U.N.) and all affiliated bodies. It also ends U.S. participation in all U.N. conventions and agreements. Funds may be appropriated to facilitate U.S. withdrawal from the U.N. No funds may be made available for contributions or payments to any U.N. body. The bill prohibits U.S. participation in any U.N. peacekeeping operation. The bill also repeals diplomatic immunity for officers and employees of the U.N. and for officers and employees of foreign government missions to the U.N. The bill repeals various acts related to the U.N., including the United Nations Participation Act of 1945, the United Nations Headquarters Agreement Act, and a joint resolution establishing U.S. membership in the World Health Organization. The United States may not rejoin the U.N. or any affiliated body without the advice and consent of the Senate. Any agreement to rejoin the U.N. or an affiliated body must include the right of the United States to withdraw from the agreement.