Bill > S1983

This bill requires any international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response developed by the World Health Assembly (WHA) through its Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to be treated as a treaty that must receive Senate approval, specifically requiring a two-thirds majority vote for ratification. The bill emerges from significant skepticism about the World Health Organization's (WHO) handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including perceived mismanagement and potential political influence from China. The legislation stems from complex historical context, including President Trump's 2020 attempt to withdraw the United States from WHO and President Biden's subsequent reinstatement of U.S. membership. The bill explicitly states that any pandemic-related agreement drafted by the INB and adopted by the WHA must go through the constitutional treaty approval process, effectively giving the U.S. Senate veto power over such international health agreements. This approach reflects congressional concern about potential global health agreements that could impact U.S. sovereignty, national health policies, or require significant legislative or financial commitments without explicit Senate consent.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1983/all-info