DEFUND Act of 2025
DEFUND Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# DEFUND Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary The DEFUND Act would withdraw the United States from the United Nations entirely and end all U.S. participation in UN operations, conventions, and agreements. If passed, the bill would stop all U.S. funding to the UN and remove diplomatic immunity protections for UN officials and foreign diplomats working at UN missions in the U.S. The bill also repeals several foundational laws that established U.S.
membership in the UN dating back to 1945, including agreements related to UN peacekeeping and the World Health Organization. Any future U.S. rejoining of the UN would require congressional approval. **Who it affects:** This legislation would impact the United States' role in global governance, Americans working with international organizations, foreign diplomats stationed in the U.S., and countries that rely on UN peacekeeping operations involving American personnel or funding. **Current status:** The bill is in committee (S 669, 119th Congress) and was sponsored by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT). It has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2025 or the DEFUND Act of 2025This bill directs the President to terminate U.S. membership in the United Nations (U.N.) and all formally 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 formally affiliated body without the advice and consent of the Senate. Any agreement to rejoin the U.N. or a formally affiliated body must include the right of the United States to withdraw from the agreement.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.