FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 16, 2025
Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
Dr. Rand Paul Joins Bill to Stop WHO from Using Tax Dollars on Pandemic Treaties
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) joined Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) to introduce legislation to prevent the World Health Organization (WHO) from repeating past pandemic failures at the expense of hardworking taxpayers.
The Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act would mandate Senate approval for the U.S. to enter any WHO agreements related to pandemic prevention or response and suspends funding for the WHO until such agreements are ratified.
“I proudly support the Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act,” said Dr. Paul. “This legislation will hold the WHO accountable for its complicity in the COVID pandemic and ensure that our involvement in global health initiatives is thoroughly vetted and approved by the Senate, safeguarding our sovereignty and tax dollars.”
“We cannot allow the World Health Organization (WHO) to spend American tax dollars on another failed pandemic response,” said Senator Barrasso. “It’s blatant partisanship and incompetence during COVID-19 was inexcusable. The mishandling of the pandemic has caused lasting damage to our country’s health and economy. Any pandemic-related WHO agreements must receive Senate approval before using the hard-earned money of American taxpayers.”
This bill stops the U.S. from entering any international agreement, convention, or instrument under the WHO related to pandemic prevention or response without ratification by the United States Senate. Additionally, the WHO would be prohibited from spending U.S. funds on such agreements until it is ratified by the Senate.
Co-sponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Wicker (R-MI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).
Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.