Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 1425 - No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(House)
(Rep. Tiffany, R-WI, and 59 cosponsors)

Pandemic preparedness was a day one priority for the Biden-Harris Administration. Under this Administration's leadership, the United States has coordinated global efforts to end the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the international community is better prepared to respond to the next pandemic.

The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 1425, which provides that any international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response reached by World Health Organization (WHO) member states pursuant to the recommendations, report, or work of the International Negotiating Body (INB) established by the second special session of the World Health Assembly "is deemed to be a treaty" and require the advice and consent of the Senate. Presidents have historically taken a variety of approaches to making and carrying out international agreements, and this bill would improperly purport to constrain the President's authority to do so in furthering the important work of achieving advancements, with the international community, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics. If enacted, this bill would undermine efforts by this Administration and future Administrations to better protect the United States by preventing international public emergencies like COVID-19 from happening again. The Administration will continue to engage with the Congress and adhere to well-established principles in assessing the outcome of the work of the INB as these negotiations continue.