Ambassador Mike Waltz testifies before Congress: United Nations Accountability and Reform

This was a House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans hearing held on July 23, 2026, focused on United Nations accountability and reform, featuring testimony from Ambassador Mike Waltz and Ambassador Jeff Bartos. The discussion centered heavily on U.S. efforts to reform the UN, including historic budget cuts totaling over $1 billion, reductions in peacekeeping forces by 25%, and efforts to eliminate ineffective missions such as Unifil in Lebanon. The ambassadors highlighted challenges with UN agencies like UNRWA, which has been accused of ties to Hamas, and efforts to transfer its functions to alternative mechanisms. The hearing also addressed U.S. withdrawal from certain UN bodies, concerns about corruption and antisemitism within the UN, and the influence of adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. Significant attention was given to the ongoing war with Iran, with debate over the effectiveness and costs of U.S. military actions and sanctions. The committee discussed the need for improved oversight, transparency, and accountability in UN operations, including addressing sexual exploitation by peacekeepers. The hearing included multiple questions on U.S. policy toward Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and other geopolitical issues, as well as the role of the UN in peacekeeping and global governance. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were detailed, but budgetary reforms and funding allocations for UN peacekeeping and humanitarian programs were key topics. The hearing concluded with calls for continued congressional oversight and reform efforts at the UN.