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As reported in our June 15 issue, Congress is now considering a request from the administration to cut already-approved current fiscal year funding for UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and U.N. Peacekeeping Operations.
The Senate will be voting on this rescission package, perhaps as early as Wednesday, July 16. It is imperative that we call our Senators NOW to urge them to vote "NO!"
Here are the numbers:
Senator Grassley: (202) 224-3744
Senator Ernst: (202) 224-9369
Here is the script for the call, prepared by UNA-USA.
Phone Script – If Staffer Answers:
Staffer: Thank you for calling [Member of Congress]'s office. How can I help you?
Caller: Hi, my name is [First + Last Name], and I'm a constituent from [City, State, ZIP Code]. My email is [Your Email Address] in case you need to follow up.
I'm calling to urge Senator [Last Name] to oppose the Administration's rescissions package that would claw back $9.4 billion in already approved funding—including over $8 billion for international assistance.
This proposal would cut critical support for the United Nations, including funding for:
- UNICEF, which vaccinates nearly half the world's children and is helping kids in crisis zones like Haiti;
- UN Peacekeeping, especially in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Lebanon, where pulling out risks more violence and instability;
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And the World Health Organization, which plays a frontline role in stopping disease outbreaks before they reach us here at home.
These aren't just feel-good programs—they help keep Americans safe, prevent global crises, and limit the influence of countries like China and Russia.
And beyond that, this proposal undermines Congress's constitutional power of the purse. It's trying to undo bipartisan work that was already signed into law.
Please make sure Senator [Last Name] stands up for American leadership and rejects the rescissions package.
If staffer asks for more info: Happy to send details! Where should I email?
If supportive: Great! I really appreciate [Member's] leadership on this.
If unsure/noncommittal: I hope [Member] takes this seriously—these cuts are already having devastating consequences. I'll be following up. Thanks for your time!
[End call.]
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Voicemail Script:
Hi, my name is [Your Name], I'm a constituent from [City, ZIP Code], and my email is [Your Email Address].
I'm calling to urge Senator [Last Name] to oppose the Administration's rescissions package that would pull back over $9 billion in approved funding—including more than $8 billion in international assistance.
These cuts would hurt vital programs like UNICEF, UN peacekeeping, and global health efforts that keep Americans safe and uphold U.S. leadership abroad.
Please reject the rescissions package. Again, my name is [Repeat Name], ZIP Code is [Repeat ZIP], and my email is [Repeat Email].
Thank you.
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