Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) have joined forces with all other Republican senators to demand that President Joe Biden withdraw his administration's support for two international agreements under consideration at the World Health Assembly (WHA). The senators are concerned that these agreements would grant more power to the World Health Organization (WHO) and weaken U.S. sovereignty.

In a statement, the senators expressed their strong opposition to the proposed agreements, stating, "Some of the over 300 proposals for amendments made by member states would substantially increase the WHO's health emergency powers and constitute intolerable infringements upon U.S. sovereignty."

The senators highlighted their concerns about the potential impact of the agreements, emphasizing that the focus should be on addressing the WHO's shortcomings rather than expanding its authority. They urged President Biden not to join any pandemic-related treaty, convention, or agreement being considered at the upcoming WHA.

Furthermore, the senators called on President Biden to take specific actions regarding the agreements, stating, "In light of the high stakes for our country and our constitutional duty, we call upon you to (1) withdraw your administration's support for the current IHR amendments and pandemic treaty negotiations, (2) shift your administration's focus to comprehensive WHO reforms that address its persistent failures without expanding its authority, and (3) should you ignore these calls, submit any pandemic related agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent."

The full letter outlining the senators' demands to President Biden can be accessed through the provided link.