Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act
In Committee
Introduced:Jan 14, 2025
Primary Sponsor
John Barrasso
R - WY
Cosponsors
15
Quick Stats
Policy Area
International Affairs
Summary
This bill requires any WHO pandemic agreement to be approved as a formal treaty by two-thirds of the Senate. It also cuts off WHO funding between when an agreement takes effect and Senate ratification.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S140)
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill requires any WHO pandemic agreement to be approved as a formal treaty by two-thirds of the Senate. It also cuts off WHO funding between when an agreement takes effect and Senate ratification.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act</strong></p><p>This bill prohibits the United States from becoming a party to a World Health Organization (WHO) agreement related to strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response except pursuant to a treaty made under Article II, Section 2, clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution (which requires that two-thirds of Senators present concur with the treaty).</p><p>The bill also prohibits federal funding for WHO beginning on the effective date of such an agreement and ending on the date when the Senate ratifies the agreement.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires Senate treaty ratification for WHO pandemic agreements
Needs two-thirds Senate approval
Cuts WHO funding pending ratification
Asserts congressional authority over health treaties
Responds to concerns about WHO pandemic powers
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
The US could not join WHO pandemic preparedness agreements through executive action alone, requiring formal Senate treaty approval. This responds to concerns about WHO authority during health emergencies and national sovereignty.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
International Affairs
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
92, 119th Congress (2025). "Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-92