Republicans on the House Committee on Appropriations are considering a budget proposal that would end funding for the World Health Organization (WHO).
The proposal is part of the Fiscal Year 2024 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill.
“The bill prioritizes agencies and programs that strengthen our national security, counter the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), provide support to our allies, and promote American values at home and abroad, while cutting spending for low-priority activities and programs,” reads a description of the bill.
The bill also seeks to end the government’s involvement with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and prohibit funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the EcoHealth Alliance, and gain-of-function research.
Other elements of the bill include the prohibition of funds for a “soon-to-be-established fund for climate damages,” support for religious freedom programs, prohibitions against drag shows, and support for Israel.
The bill also strengthens oversight measures in order to limit government abuses, such as requiring the “public posting of reports and foreign assistance data on the Department of State and USAID websites so the American taxpayers can see how the funds are used,” as well as ensuring “transparency to the American taxpayer.”
It is unknown if the bill will advance, although the proposal recently underwent subcommittee markup.
Reporting from Reclaim the Net:
During this time, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) held session concerning the WHO’s proposed pandemic treaty and International Health Regulations amendments, witnessing vociferous opposition from experts and activists. Pamela Hamamoto, the lead US negotiator for the pandemic treaty, highlighted the necessity for international cooperation in health crises but affirmed that the administration would not support any measures undermining US sovereignty or security.
