As Washington renews its debate over America’s role in global institutions, a bold proposal known as the DEFUND Act of 2025 has drawn support from Wyoming’s own Rep. Harriet Hageman, aligning her with other conservative voices advocating a clean break from the United Nations.
What Is the DEFUND Act of 2025?
The Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act of 2025 is Senate Bill S. 669, introduced February 20, 2025, by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT).
Its primary goals are:
- Terminate U.S. membership in the UN and affiliated bodies
- Repeal the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 (which currently authorizes U.S. involvement in the UN)
- End U.S. participation in UN treaties, conventions, and peacekeeping operations
- Bar further U.S. contributions (assessed or voluntary) to UN bodies, except as needed for transitional withdrawal
- Remove diplomatic immunity for UN personnel operating in the U.S. and limit use of U.S. government facilities by UN entities
- Make future reentry conditional on Senate consent and the inclusion of withdrawal mechanisms in any agreement.
In parallel, a House version — H.R. 1498 — was introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) to mirror the Senate’s approach.
Rep. Hageman’s Support
Rep. Harriet Hageman is among the co-sponsors of the House version of the DEFUND Act. Her support signals that the bill has backing from Wyoming’s congressional delegation, aligning her with the sovereignty and taxpayer protection arguments frequently cited by the bill’s supporters.
In a post earlier this week, Rep. Hageman affirmed her support and framed the bill as a defense of U.S. independence from global agendas.
Other Backers & Political Coalitions
- In the Senate: Sen. Mike Lee is the primary sponsor of S. 669.
- In the House: Rep. Chip Roy is leading the House effort with H.R. 1498.
- Several other Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors of H.R. 1498, including Rep. Hageman (R-WY).
The coalition is largely conservative and sovereignty-oriented, appealing to constituents who believe America should not be bound by UN practices, especially those they view as “radical green” or regulatory overreach.
Timing, Hurdles & Outlook
Current Status
- S. 669 sits in the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee awaiting action.
- H.R. 1498 is in the House’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
Key Challenges
- The sweeping nature of the bill makes it more radical than incremental reforms; many legislators may balk at fully exiting the UN framework.
- Opposition may arise over loss of U.S. influence in global diplomacy, security, humanitarian efforts, and treaty obligations.
- Implementation would require unwinding existing commitments and orchestrating a clean withdrawal from UN bodies, treaties, and programs.
Potential Timeline
If momentum builds, floor debate might begin in late 2025 or early 2026. But passage in both chambers and presidential approval would be a steep climb. Even if it passes, the withdrawal and administrative work could take years to execute fully.
Why This Matters in Wyoming
- Taxpayer Protection: With Rep. Hageman’s support, the bill gains added legitimacy in Wyoming, offering a narrative that U.S. funds shouldn’t enforce international agendas without clear domestic direction.
- Policy Independence: Many “green” or regulatory goals from international climate and environmental frameworks can trickle down to states and local governments; the bill aims to block such top-down mandates.
- Symbolic and Practical Sovereignty: Passing such a bill would send a clear message about American autonomy. For communities in Wyoming, that could mean fewer federal levers imposing international agreements in agriculture, energy, land use, or resource management.
AntlersArch founder and the voice behind Teton Tattle.
