1. The Administration objects to the House bill‘s certification requirements, which could result in a 50–percent reduction in the United States–assessed contribution to the U.N. The Administration also opposes provisions of the bill that purport to require the President to direct the Ambassador to the U.N. to take particular actions in the Ambassador‘s dealings with the U.N. Other provisions purport to establish policies for the United States with respect to its relations with the United Nations. These provisions impermissibly infringe on the President‘s authority under the Constitution to conduct the Nation‘s foreign affairs. The Administration also has a number of other objections to the bill.

2. "Recognizing the distinct role that we have to play will be a vital component of protecting our impartiality and opening up humanitarian space for us." The guidelines purport to "establish principles and practices for constructive civilian–military relations, and for effective coordination, which is critical for achieving security and stability in Afghanistan" and are "intended to support the development of a relationship between military and humanitarian actors in which differences are recognized and respected". The principles on which the guidelines are based include observance of international law and human rights, respect for the neutrality and independence of humanitarian actors, emphasizing the security role of the military, reporting violations of human rights and stressing the need for respect and protection of women.