House votes to block future pandemic treaty without Senate approval

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at preventing the President from entering the U.S. into a future pandemic treaty without Senate approval. This legislation, known as the 'No W.H.O. Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act,' was introduced by Rep. Tom Tiffany in 2023 and is a response to ongoing discussions since 2021 regarding an international legal framework for managing health emergencies. The bill passed with a vote of 219 to 199, garnering support from four Democrats, highlighting bipartisan concerns over national sovereignty. Critics of the proposed treaty argue that it could undermine U.S. sovereignty by imposing international regulations on health responses. Provisions under consideration include equitable distribution of medical resources and increased authority for the W.H.O. Director-General. Supporters of the treaty, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have expressed a commitment to an international agreement, although they have not confirmed whether it will be submitted to Congress for approval. The legislation also reflects a broader concern regarding past administrations' practices of bypassing Congress by labeling significant international agreements as executive agreements. This has raised alarms among lawmakers who believe that such actions could lead to a lack of accountability and public debate on critical issues affecting national interests. As discussions continue within the W.H.O. regarding the pandemic accord, the House's decision underscores the importance of legislative oversight in international agreements, particularly those that could have long-lasting implications for public health and national policy.