The United States and other leading members of the United Nations must release about $800 million they owe the organization if they want it to be a renewed power, University political scientists said.

"If the U.N. is to survive, Bush and the other 14 members must restore the funding," said Simon Duke, assistant professor of political science.

The United States is the highest debtor country, owing $470.3 million, he noted.

"The United States is withholding this money," said Zachary Irwin, associate professor of political science at Penn State Erie, adding that the lack of funds is crippling the organization's future.

The debt is blatant hypocrisy for President Bush, Duke said.

"He wants to make the U.N. the cornerstone of the New World Order and never addressed its funding," he said. "The future of the U.N. lies in one person's hands."

"The Security Council built a wish list but the funds are not available to do what they want to do," Duke added.

The underfunding will prevent political reforms within the organization, Irwin said.