Kelly leads Congress’ opposition to UN Arms Trade Treaty

With the imminent installment of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) looming on Christmas Eve, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), the leader of a movement to block it, issued a statement on Monday reiterating opposition to the treaty.

“As the ATT soon enters into force, the United States Congress continues to stand with the American people in total opposition to this dangerous treaty,” Kelly said. “I applaud my colleagues for continuing to prohibit federal funding for the treaty’s implementation and am glad to see the president once again sign legislation affirming this important ban.”

The treaty will enter into force on Dec. 24, which is 90 days following ratification by the 50th nation.

The United States signed the treaty in September, but Congress so far has refused to ratify it.

“There are still plans being proposed for the U.S. to pay up to 22 percent of U.N. ‘activity’ to manage the treaty — even though our Senate (rightly) refuses to ratify it!,” Kelly said. “Going forward, vigilance is crucial. Congress must maintain its strong opposition while ensuring that the Obama administration is not tempted to act unilaterally in the treaty’s favor. We must not stand by and allow the ATT to threaten our constitutional rights at home or our closest allies abroad, as the world’s worst actors are surely counting on.”