[JURIST] US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton [official profile] said Wednesday he opposed legislation [JURIST report] that would withhold US dues of more than $130 million until the UN adopted US-backed reforms. Bolton appeared before the US House International Relations Committee [official website], his first congressional appearance since his recess appointment [JURIST report] to the post after failing to win Senate confirmation. Bolton said the proposal to withhold funds, sponsored by Committee Chairman Henry Hyde [official profile] and pushed through the House [JURIST report] last June before stalling in the Senate [JURIST report] after Bush administration opposition, would limit the discretion of the executive by requiring the funds be withheld unless the conditions were met. Bolton made the appearance to brief Congress on the results of a UN summit [World Summit 2005 website] held earlier this month that fell short of its goal to implement major reforms [JURIST news archive], although an agreement [PDF text] was reached in several areas. The Committee has recorded video of the hearing. The Washington Post has more.