UN Renovation and Construction: Issues for Congressional Oversight?

Brett Schaefer / January 13, 2010

The United Nations is in the midst of a $1.87 billion renovation project. Few argue that the U.N. building isn’t in vital need of an overhaul – it is falling apart at the seams and New York schools no longer allow students to visit the U.N. building because of its failure (perhaps inability is a better word) to comply with city safety standards.

While the need for a renovation of the U.N. headquarters is clear, there are outstanding questions about the estimated costs and implementation of the plan. For instance, there are numerous stories of wasteful or unnecessary renovations.

All of this should spark interest in Congress because U.S. taxpayers are footing 22 percent of the costs. (more…)