UN

It is one thing for the UN to hold a conference to address important world issues. It should not be an excuse to enjoy the high life. Hyde's International Relations Committee staff discovered that nearly 20% of the assessed regular budget (paid annually by member states, including the United States) is gobbled up by UN conferences. Some conferences have a price tag of $7,000 to $8,000 an hour. That's money that could improve medical services or fund education but a good part of it is going to fancy hotels and lavish buffets and cocktail parties. Hyde wants a 10% cut in these conferences in 2007 followed by a 20% cut in 2008.