summary
Introduced
06/08/2020
06/08/2020
In Committee
06/08/2020
06/08/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
Establishes measures related to international accountability for outbreaks of novel viruses and diseases. The Department of State must establish lists of countries based on the procedures and standards each country has implemented to (1) identify outbreaks and monitor diseases, and (2) ensure that novel viruses and diseases are timely reported. The President must take specified action with respect to countries that are deemed capable of implementing such procedures and standards but have not done so. The President may also sanction government officials of such countries. Foreign state sovereign immunity is waived in any case seeking damages against a foreign state for (1) injury or death in the United States caused by a state's failure to abide by such procedures and standards, or (2) intentionally misleading the international community or the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the outbreak or spread of a health concern that leads to a pandemic. The President must facilitate (1) an international investigation and report on the response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), and (2) an international audit of the WHO relating to its actions in response to COVID-19. The U.S. Representative to the United Nations (U.N.) must request that the U.N. (1) review the WHO's response to COVID-19, and (2) recommend actions to improve future responses and ensure WHO accountability for identified failures. The Representative shall seek a global ban on wet markets (markets where animals of uncertified origin and health are sold in unhygienic conditions, dead or alive, for human consumption).
AI Summary
This bill establishes measures to hold foreign countries accountable for outbreaks of novel viruses and diseases. The Department of State must create lists of countries based on their procedures and standards for identifying outbreaks, monitoring diseases, and timely reporting of novel viruses and diseases. The President must take specified actions, such as sanctions or diplomatic measures, against countries on the "Tier 2" list that are capable of meeting these requirements but have not done so. The bill also waives foreign state sovereign immunity for lawsuits seeking damages for failures to meet these reporting and monitoring requirements, or intentionally misleading the international community about an outbreak. Additionally, the bill requires the President to facilitate an international investigation and audit of the World Health Organization's response to COVID-19, and seeks a global ban on "wet markets" where animals of uncertified origin and health are sold in unhygienic conditions.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (on 06/08/2020)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/7132/all-info | 06/09/2020 |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr7132/BILLS-116hr7132ih.pdf | 07/01/2020 |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr7132/BILLS-116hr7132ih.pdf.pdf | 07/01/2020 |
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