arrow_back Back to App

Senate Approval Required for Any WHO Pandemic Treaty.

This bill mandates that any future international agreement on pandemic prevention and response negotiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) must be submitted to the US Senate for ratification as a formal treaty. This ensures that the Executive Branch cannot unilaterally commit the US to potentially binding global health policies—such as those concerning resource sharing or financing—without the approval of two-thirds of the Senate. The goal is to increase Congressional oversight and public accountability regarding major international health commitments.
Key points
Any new WHO international instrument on pandemic preparedness will automatically be classified as a treaty under US law.
Ratification will require the "advice and consent" of two-thirds of the Senate (67 votes).
This measure aims to give Congress greater control over US participation in global health agreements, driven by skepticism about WHO's past performance.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_444
Sponsor: Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI]
Process start date: 2023-02-15