New Bill Aims to Block UN-Imposed Taxes

A new proposal from House Republicans seeks to stop the United Nations from requiring the U.S. to collect taxes that aren’t specifically imposed by American governments. The bill is set to be introduced this week as the UN prepares for a vote on a global tax concerning carbon emissions from international shipping.

Recently, member states of the International Maritime Organization, which is part of the UN, decided to delay the review of this global tax by a year, largely due to strong objections from President Trump.

The legislation, championed by Representative August Pflueger, would prevent any international taxes or financial penalties from affecting the U.S. unless there’s Senate approval. Additionally, it would bar U.S. funding for a global carbon tax and prohibit voluntary contributions to the UN if such a tax takes effect.

The idea of a global shipping tax, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, has found support from nations like Brazil and those in the European Union, who argue for greener international trade. On the flip side, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, the top two oil-producing nations, oppose it.

Pflueger leads the proposal alongside representatives like Troy Balderson from Ohio and Randy Weber from Texas. He noted to media that the fight isn’t over despite the UN’s decision to block the vote. “This bill would essentially negate any global carbon tax by cutting off funding to UN agencies that would tax Americans, ensuring that Congress has a role in determining any taxation on citizens and businesses,” he emphasized.

Balderson commended Trump and others for resisting the UN’s push, pointing out that it would unfairly burden Americans with additional costs. Weber echoed this sentiment, criticizing the UN for attempting to create a fund that would ultimately ask Americans to pay more.