NEW YORK -- The threat by the U.S. House of Representatives to withhold $582 million in funds for the United Nations is the wrong action against the world body.

Congress wants to force the White House to agree to legislation designed to undercut the International Criminal Court and to serve as a kind of retaliation for the United States' ouster from the U.N. Human Rights Commission.

If all leading industrialized nations were to follow the U.S. example and withhold their dues every time they disagree with the U.N., it would augur badly for this international body, and for its unique and difficult role in maintaining world peace.