Republican Senator Ron Johnson and 48 other GOP senators have called on President Biden to reject any agreements that would expand the authority of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the case of a global pandemic. In a letter sent to Biden ahead of the 77th World Health Assembly, the senators argued that any such agreement would be considered a treaty, requiring the approval of two-thirds of the Senate under Article I Section 2 of the Constitution. They emphasized the need for comprehensive WHO reforms before considering any new pandemic-related treaty that would increase WHO authority.
The Republicans highlighted their concerns about the latest draft of the WHO’s new pandemic response treaty, describing it as “dead on arrival.” They criticized the draft for focusing on mandated resource and technology transfers, as well as shredding intellectual property rights and infringing on free speech. The senators also raised questions about the origin of the COVID-19 virus, noting that Beijing continues to block a legitimate independent investigation. Despite the Biden administration’s commitment to enhancing global coordination in combating pandemics, officials have expressed reservations about agreements that do not adequately protect pharmaceutical patents.
The WHO’s decision-making body, the World Health Assembly, is set to meet from May 27 to June 1 to consider international agreements. The Republican senators, led by Johnson, urged the U.S. to not ignore the WHO’s failures and to push for WHO reforms before considering any new agreements that would expand the organization’s authority. They also criticized the focus of the potential treaty on coordination and resource sharing, with an emphasis on “equity.” The senators accused the WHO of focusing on mandates that could undermine intellectual property rights and free speech, as well as further empowering the organization.
While the Biden administration has voiced support for global coordination in pandemic response efforts, officials have raised concerns about certain aspects of the WHO’s potential treaty. In particular, they have expressed reservations about agreements that do not adequately protect pharmaceutical patents. The administration has emphasized the need for outcomes that are effective, operationally viable, and in line with U.S. laws, policies, and practices. However, the White House and the WHO did not provide immediate comment on the Republicans’ letter and concerns about the pandemic response treaty.
Senator Ron Johnson has been a vocal critic of Dr. Anthony Fauci, former chief medical adviser to President Biden, as well as the precautions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccination efforts. Johnson has also raised concerns about injuries allegedly caused by the vaccine mandates and has advocated for individuals who claim to have suffered adverse effects from the shots. Alongside other Republican senators, including Mitch McConnell and John Thune, Johnson has led the party’s opposition to any potential international agreements that would expand the WHO’s authority in response to pandemics.
In conclusion, Senator Ron Johnson and a group of Republican senators have called on President Biden to reject any agreements that would expand the authority of the World Health Organization in response to global pandemics. The senators have raised concerns about the WHO’s pandemic response treaty, criticizing it for focusing on mandated resource and technology transfers that could undermine intellectual property rights and free speech. They have emphasized the need for comprehensive WHO reforms before considering any new agreements that would increase the organization’s authority. Despite the Biden administration’s commitment to global coordination in pandemic response efforts, officials have expressed reservations about aspects of the potential treaty that do not adequately protect pharmaceutical patents. Senator Johnson, a vocal critic of Dr. Fauci and the pandemic response measures, has advocated for individuals who claim to have suffered injuries from the vaccine mandates and has led the Republican opposition to expanding the WHO’s authority.
