[JURIST] The US Department of State urged senators Thursday not to pass the UN Reform Act of 2005 [PDF House version], legislation introduced by Senators Norm Coleman (D-MN)[official website] and Dick Lugar (R-IN) [official website], that cuts the dues the US pays to the United Nations. The House of Representatives passed similar legislation [JURIST report] introduced last month [JURIST report], voting to reduce payments by up to 50% if reforms were not enacted. US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns said it was likely the body would agree to a series of reforms by September and that, "it is vital that the US lead at the United Nations, that we have faith in the UN, pay our dues, promote reform and contribute to strengthen the UN." UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has also spoken out against the measure [JURIST report]. Reuters has more.