December 14, 2023

Castro, Jacobs, Introduce Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Leadership, Influence in International Organizations

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, introduced the Restoring U.S. Leadership in International Organizations Act of 2023, legislation that would strengthen U.S. leadership and influence within international organizations.

“Throughout my time on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve worked to strengthen America’s work with our global partners to build a healthier, safer, and more equitable world. In a time of increasing global connection, U.S. engagement with international organizations is the most important way to promote democracy and freedom, protect human rights, and build a more peaceful world. Passing the Restoring U.S. Leadership in International Organizations Act is an essential step to strengthen America’s diplomatic corps and reaffirm our commitment to leading the free world toward a brighter future,” said Congressman Castro.

“America’s leadership on the world stage won’t be restored through arms deals or boots on the ground – it will require the U.S. to lead with our values and build coalitions in international organizations like the United Nations,” said Congresswoman Jacobs. “I started my career at the United Nations and have seen firsthand its power to strengthen peace and security, uphold human rights, and so much more. So I know how important it is for the United States to be present and lead in international organizations. That’s why I’m so proud to co-lead the Restoring U.S. Leadership in International Organizations Act to boost U.S. engagement at the UN and incentivize the next generation of America’s diplomats to serve in international organizations.”

The Restoring U.S. Leadership in International Organizations Act would:

  • State that U.S. policy is for the Ambassador to the United Nations to be a cabinet official and for the United States to pay its assessed dues to international organizations in a timely fashion. 
  • Incentivize federal agencies to detail employees to international organizations and make the Secretary of State responsible for helping other agencies detail employees to international organizations. The bill also creates an annual reporting requirement to Congress to track how many federal employees are detailed to international organizations.
  • Establish a training program on multilateral institutions for Foreign Service Officers and Civil Servants at the State Department who work on or at international organizations.  
  • Make service in a position dealing with multilateral institutions a favorable factor when being considered for promotion to the Senior Foreign Service.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.