End U.N. Censorship Act

Summary#

This bill, called the End U.N. Censorship Act, would stop certain U.S. money from being used to support the United Nations Development Programme's iVerify tool. It would also bar U.S. funds from being used for efforts that label speech as mal-, mis-, or disinformation. The bill would prohibit voluntary U.S. contributions to U.N. entities or other international organizations that fund or support iVerify or any similar platform. If funds are withheld under the bill, those amounts would be permanently rescinded, deposited into the Treasury general fund, and not counted as arrears that must be repaid.

What it means for you#

• Federal departments and agencies, including the State Department, could not use federal funds to develop, implement, or support the iVerify tool.
• The bill would bar U.S. funding for other efforts that label speech as mal-, mis-, or disinformation.
• The United States could not make voluntary contributions to U.N. entities or other international organizations that fund or support iVerify or similar platforms.
• Any amounts withheld under the bill would be permanently rescinded and returned to the Treasury general fund.
• The bill was introduced in the House, sponsored by Ben Cline and others, and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Status: In Progress.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on overall cost estimates. The bill directs that amounts withheld under its prohibition be permanently rescinded, deposited in the Treasury general fund, and not treated as arrears to be repaid.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information about proponents' formal statements beyond the bill text and sponsors. The bill's short title and text show proponents want to stop U.S. support for iVerify and similar efforts.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information about opponents' formal statements.