WHO is Accountable Act

2/11/2025, 5:53 AM

WHO is Accountable Act

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to seek U.S. membership in the World Health Organization (WHO), or to make contributions to the WHO, until the Department of State makes certain certifications to Congress.

Specifically, these prohibitions shall apply until the State Department certifies that the WHO has met certain conditions, including that the WHO (1) has adopted reforms to ensure that humanitarian assistance is not politicized; (2) is not under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and is not involved in a cover-up of the CCP's response to the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) has granted observer status to Taiwan; and (4) has ceased engagement on certain issues, such as climate change, access to abortion, and gender identity.

Bill 119 HR 600, also known as the "World Health Organization Funding Prohibition Act," aims to prevent the United States from using any funds to seek membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) or to provide any assessed or voluntary contributions to the organization. The bill specifically targets the WHO, an international agency that focuses on global health issues and emergencies.

If passed, this legislation would effectively cut off any financial support from the US government to the WHO. This move is likely in response to criticisms of the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about the organization's transparency and effectiveness.

Supporters of the bill argue that the WHO has failed to adequately address global health crises and that US taxpayer dollars should not be used to support an organization that they believe is ineffective. Critics, on the other hand, argue that withdrawing funding from the WHO could have negative consequences for global health efforts and could weaken international cooperation on health issues. Overall, Bill 119 HR 600 represents a significant shift in US policy towards the WHO and could have far-reaching implications for global health initiatives. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its ultimate fate remains uncertain.
Congress
119
Number
HR - 600
Introduced on
2025-01-22
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/22/2025
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

WHO is Accountable Act

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to seek U.S. membership in the World Health Organization (WHO), or to make contributions to the WHO, until the Department of State makes certain certifications to Congress.

Specifically, these prohibitions shall apply until the State Department certifies that the WHO has met certain conditions, including that the WHO (1) has adopted reforms to ensure that humanitarian assistance is not politicized; (2) is not under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and is not involved in a cover-up of the CCP's response to the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) has granted observer status to Taiwan; and (4) has ceased engagement on certain issues, such as climate change, access to abortion, and gender identity.

Bill 119 HR 600, also known as the "World Health Organization Funding Prohibition Act," aims to prevent the United States from using any funds to seek membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) or to provide any assessed or voluntary contributions to the organization. The bill specifically targets the WHO, an international agency that focuses on global health issues and emergencies.

If passed, this legislation would effectively cut off any financial support from the US government to the WHO. This move is likely in response to criticisms of the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about the organization's transparency and effectiveness.

Supporters of the bill argue that the WHO has failed to adequately address global health crises and that US taxpayer dollars should not be used to support an organization that they believe is ineffective. Critics, on the other hand, argue that withdrawing funding from the WHO could have negative consequences for global health efforts and could weaken international cooperation on health issues. Overall, Bill 119 HR 600 represents a significant shift in US policy towards the WHO and could have far-reaching implications for global health initiatives. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its ultimate fate remains uncertain.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo prohibit the use of funds to seek membership in the World Health Organization or to provide assessed or voluntary contributions to the World Health Organization.

Comments

Related

Member:  
Anna Paulina Luna
Member:  
Brandon Gill
Member:  
Jodey C. Arrington
Member:  
Ron Estes
Committee:  
Foreign Affairs

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/3/2025

WHO is Accountable Act

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to seek U.S. membership in the World Health Organization (WHO), or to make contributions to the WHO, until the Department of State makes certain certificati...

Latest Action1/22/2025
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.