The Senate Appropriations Committee's amendments to H.R. 2939, the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, included a provision restoring U.S. support for the United Nations Population Fund, which had been cut off under the Reagan Administration. These funds would be used to provide international family planning and maternal and child health assistance to more than 120 developing countries. The Committee amendment earmarked $15 million for UNFPA provided that no funds be used to support programs in China and other restrictions. Senator Bob Kasten's (R-WI) amendment would have, in effect, nullified this provision by making the funding for UNFPA contingent upon a non-reviewable finding by the White House regarding family planning programs in China.

Environmental groups firmly believe that population growth underlies or contributes to many of the environmental problems facing the world. On September 20th, 1989, the Senate voted on a motion to table (kill) reconsideration of the Kasten amendment (which would have prohibited U.S. funding). The motion was agreed to 52-48. Yes is the pro-environment vote.