Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, along with Senator Ron Johnson and a group of other senators, has sent a letter to President Biden urging him to withdraw support for two international agreements under consideration at the World Health Assembly. The agreements would grant more power to the World Health Organization (WHO) and potentially undermine U.S. sovereignty.

In the letter addressed to President Biden, the senators expressed their concerns about the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it a "total failure" that inflicted lasting harm on the country. They emphasized the need for reforms within the WHO instead of expanding its authority through international treaties.

The senators stated, "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." They also highlighted their worry about the Biden administration's support for these initiatives and urged the President to reconsider.

Furthermore, the letter warned that any agreement moving forward without addressing these concerns would be considered a treaty requiring Senate approval under the Constitution. Senator Tuberville and Senator Johnson were joined by a long list of colleagues in signing the letter, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the concerns raised.

Senator Tuberville, who represents Alabama in the U.S. Senate, is a member of several key committees, including the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees. The full text of the letter to President Biden can be found for further reference.

The call to reject the WHO agreements reflects a growing push within the Senate to hold international organizations accountable and prioritize national sovereignty in global health matters.