US lawmakers argue against UN withdrawal citing China influence

During a House Foreign Affairs Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee hearing, US lawmakers argued that despite the United Nations being bloated and costly, the US should remain engaged to counter China's expanding influence. Representative Jared Moskowitz (Democrat, Florida) stated that abandoning the UN would accelerate China's progress within the organization. The US currently owes approximately $2.2 billion for its regular budget and $1.8 billion for peacekeeping. Moskowitz noted that China has spent heavily in small countries to secure votes at the UN. The hearing follows former President Trump's decision to end US engagement with the UN Human Rights Council and the Palestinian relief agency.