Supporters said the measure was a modest compromise that allowed Congress to register its anger over the U.N. snub without unraveling a long-sought 1999 deal that allows payment of the U.S. arrears in exchange for a lowering of U.S. dues and peacekeeping contributions. The measure, attached to a bill that authorizes fiscal 2002 and 2003 spending for the State Department and related agencies, gives U.N. members time to return the United States to the commission next year, they said.
Actions have consequences.
The payments had been the subject of a contentious dispute that frayed relations between Washington and the United Nations for years. They struck a deal in 1999 promising payment of the arrears in exchange for reduced U.N. dues and peacekeeping assessments. Differences between the Senate and House measures will be worked out in a joint negotiating committee. The Bush administration urged Congress Wednesday not to link the payments to the dispute over the human rights commission, saying that doing so could damage the United States' influence and standing in international organizations. Some congressional Democrats have blamed the administration of President Bush for the surprise U.S. loss, saying it has ignored the world body and angered key friends.