Bill Summary
The "Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act" is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to ensure that any agreement the United States enters into with the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding pandemic preparedness and response must first receive approval from the Senate.
Key provisions of the bill include:
1. **Senate Approval Requirement**: The U.S. cannot join any WHO convention or agreement related to pandemic issues unless it is ratified as a treaty by the Senate, in accordance with Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution.
2. **Funding Suspension**: The bill also mandates a temporary suspension of U.S. funding for the WHO. This suspension will begin when an agreement is made and will last until the Senate formally ratifies that agreement.
In essence, this legislation seeks to assert Congressional authority over international agreements related to global health and to limit financial commitments to the WHO until such agreements are vetted and approved by the Senate.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act" could affect people:
1. **Impact on Global Health Initiatives**: By suspending U.S. funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) until any new pandemic agreement is ratified by the Senate, this legislation could hinder global health initiatives that rely on U.S. financial support. This may result in delayed responses to pandemics or health crises, affecting people worldwide who depend on timely interventions and resources from the WHO.
2. **Public Health Preparedness and Response**: The requirement for Senate approval before the U.S. can engage in a WHO pandemic agreement could create delays in implementing important health measures. In the event of a pandemic, this could lead to a lack of coordination and preparedness at both the national and international levels, potentially compromising the health and safety of the American public and global populations.
3. **Sovereignty vs. Cooperation**: This legislation emphasizes U.S. sovereignty in international agreements, which might resonate with some constituents who prioritize national control over global cooperation. However, it could also lead to a perception of isolationism, raising concerns among public health experts who argue that pandemics require collective action. This polarized view could influence public sentiment and political discourse regarding America's role in global health governance.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 92 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 92
To require Senate approval before the United States assumes any
obligation under a WHO pandemic agreement and to suspend funding for
the WHO until such agreement is ratified by the Senate.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 14, 2025
Mr. Barrasso (for himself, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Scott of
Florida, Mr. Ricketts, Mr. Paul, Mr. Daines, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Hoeven,
Mr. Crapo, Mr. Risch, Ms. Lummis, Mrs. Fischer, Mrs. Blackburn, and Mr.
Cruz) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred
to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require Senate approval before the United States assumes any
obligation under a WHO pandemic agreement and to suspend funding for
the WHO until such agreement is ratified by the Senate.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Defending American Sovereignty in
Global Pandemics Act''.
SEC. 2. TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF UNITED STATES FUNDING FOR THE WORLD
HEALTH ORGANIZATION UNTIL PANDEMIC TREATY IS APPROVED BY
THE SENATE.
(a) Prohibition.--The United States shall not become a party to a
convention, agreement, or other international instrument under the
Constitution of the World Health Organization to strengthen pandemic
prevention, preparedness, and response except pursuant to a treaty made
under Article II, section 2, clause 2 of the Constitution of the United
States on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Funding Restriction.--The Government of the United States may
not obligate or expend any funds for the World Health Organization
beginning on the effective date of an agreement described in subsection
(a) and ending on the date on which the Senate approves a resolution of
ratification with respect to such convention, agreement, or instrument.
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