By Tyler Pruett

tyler@southerntorch.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The anti-globalist sentiment displayed in the U.K.’s historic decision to leave the European Union is growing here at home. One Alabama Congressman is taking up a similar issue on capitol hill. Rep. Mike Rogers (R  AL-03), introduced H.R. 1205, also known as the American Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2015, which would effectively ban the United States’ involvement with the United Nations (UN).

Anti-globalist sentiments in America is not a new phenomenon. Since the late nineties, politicians have put forth legislation to end America’s involvement with the international organization. The first bill, introduced in 1997 by Former Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), garnered only 54 supporters, but support has gradually increased over the years.

Many Americans taken issue with what they perceive as the UN meddling in affairs right here at home. According to some, many proposed UN treaties and initiatives violate constitutional rights. There was much debate over the proposed “Arms Trade Treaty” that many felt would put regulations on our firearms manufacturers, violating our second amendment rights.

“The UN has also offered a potential Arms Trade Treaty which would threaten our Second Amendment Rights rights and impose regulations on our gun manufacturers, who are already facing regulations and pressure from the Obama Administration,” Rogers said in a statement regarding the bill.

Another issue is the perceived bias against America’s longtime ally Israel. Many feel the international governing body is quick to condemn Israel in times of conflict and to accuse the nation of human rights violations. Rogers also took issue with their decision to recognize Palestine as a “non-member, observer state.” Which according to the UN’s website, allows them to participate in the general assembly workings and meetings. This gives the Palestinian Authority the rights of a legitimate nation, which is heavily influenced by the terrorist organization, Hamas.

“The UN does not support Israel and voted to grant the Palestinian Authority ‘non-member state’ permanent observer status,” Rogers said, “Anyone who is not a friend of our ally Israel, is not a friend to the United States.”

Probably one of the biggest issues is how much taxpayer money goes to the UN and if we are getting an adequate return on our investment. In 2010, at the request of congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) compiled a report that shows spending on the UN exceeded $7.691 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010. This had even increased from the $6.347 billion estimated for FY 2009.

“The UN continues to prove it’s an inefficient bureaucracy and a complete waste of American tax dollars,” said Rogers, “Although the United States makes up almost a quarter of the UN’s annual budget, the UN has attempted a number of actions that attack our rights as U.S. citizens.”

Rogers also took issue with the UN’s attempts to place strict environmental regulations on the U.S. through treaties which in his opinion would cost the U.S. even more money. Many see the UN’s research on global warming as flawed, and their attempt to regulate our businesses as circumventing our democracy and sovereignty.

“To name a few, these initiatives include actions like the Law of the Sea Treaty, which would subject our country to internationally-based environmental mandates, costing American businesses more money, or the UN’s work to re-establish an international regulation regime on global warming which would heavily target our fossil fuels,” said Rogers.

“Why should the American taxpayer bankroll an international organization that works against America’s interests around the world? The time is now to restore and protect American sovereignty and get out of the United Nations,” concluded Rogers.

Several other congressmen have sponsored the legislation including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky), Rep. John Duncan (R-Tennessee), and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Georgia). In the current gridlocked state of congress, the bill faces an uphill battle to become law, but the issue continues to persist and gradually gain support on capitol hill.