The amendment is now part of the proposed United Nations Reform Act geared at compelling the United Nations to reduce corruption and increase transparency. The legislation threatens to withhold half of the United States' annual payment to the United Nations if changes are not made by 2007.

Cannon says there are indications that the United Nations is dealing with groups banned from U.S. government contracts or grants, and the Republican congressman wants to ensure no U.S. money is finding its way to those groups through the world forum.

"This allows the U.N. to use the excluded persons list as a context for making decisions" on who it contracts with, Cannon said. "If they decide that they want to give money to someone on this list, they have to tell us."

The U.S. Excluded Parties Listing System includes companies or people the federal government has found untrustworthy or believes to be associated with terrorists groups. Cannon's amendment passed on a voice vote late Thursday.

The U.N. Reform Act, which the House is expected to vote on today, faces opposition from the Bush administration, which does not want to withhold funding automatically, and from eight former U.S. ambassadors to the United Nations.

Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., proposed a substitute version that would allow money to be withdrawn, but not require it.

Cannon says the original version of the bill is the best path to forcing U.N. reforms. And he adds that if the U.N. doesn't pay attention to his provision, there could be consequences with funding. "If Congress feels they [the U.N.] are thumbing their nose at us, they will have a harder time," he said.

Washington-based Americans for Tax Reform urged Congress to pass Cannon's amendment. "It is only logical that the same restrictions we place upon our federal agencies be applied to the money we give to the U.N.," the group said.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, called on House members to support the entire bill, saying that if Congress doesn't act, it would be irresponsible.

"If these reforms are not enacted, the future looks only bleaker," he said on the House floor.

Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, backs Cannon's amendment but opposes the entire bill, instead supporting the Democratic proposal that would not automatically withhold funds.

"Of course the U.N. is in drastic need of reform," Matheson said. But, "I'm going to stand with the president on this one."

tburr@sltrib.com