No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act

10/16/2024, 3:01 PM
Congress
118

Number
HR - 1425

Introduced on
2023-03-07

# Amendments
3

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

9/17/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Failed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act

This bill establishes that any convention or agreement on pandemic-related issues reached by the World Health Assembly (WHA) pursuant to a specified negotiating body shall be deemed to be a treaty requiring the advice and consent of the Senate.

Specifically, this bill applies to any international instrument negotiated by the intergovernmental negotiating body established by the WHA in December 2021 to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

Bill 118 hr 1425, also known as the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The bill aims to prevent the United States from entering into any pandemic preparedness treaty with the World Health Organization (WHO) without the approval of the Senate.

The bill highlights the importance of ensuring that any international agreements related to pandemic preparedness are thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Senate, as outlined in the US Constitution. It seeks to uphold the principle of checks and balances within the US government by requiring Senate approval for such treaties.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to safeguard US sovereignty and ensure that decisions related to pandemic preparedness are made in a transparent and accountable manner. They believe that Senate approval is essential to ensure that the interests of the American people are adequately represented in any international agreements. Opponents of the bill may argue that it could potentially hinder the US government's ability to respond quickly and effectively to global health crises. They may also raise concerns about the potential for political gridlock and delays in the approval process for pandemic preparedness treaties. Overall, Bill 118 hr 1425 raises important questions about the role of the Senate in approving international agreements related to public health and pandemic preparedness. It will be interesting to see how this legislation progresses through the US Congress and what impact it may have on future US engagement with the WHO and other international organizations.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require any convention, agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response reached by the World Health Assembly to be subject to Senate ratification.

Policy Areas
International Affairs

Potential Impact
Asia
China
Congressional oversight
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Health promotion and preventive care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
International law and treaties
International organizations and cooperation
Senate
World health

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/4/2024

No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act

This bill establishes that any convention or agreement on pandemic-related issues reached by the World Health Assembly (WHA) pursuant to a specified negotiating...


Latest Action9/17/2024
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.