The bill is positioned to have a significant impact on U.S.-China relations and could influence future diplomatic and economic interactions. By formally addressing the financial implications of COVID-19 as incurred by the U.S. due to China's actions, it may prompt legislative approaches that seek greater accountability from foreign governments. The act also entails an expectation for annual reporting from the President to Congress on the status of these efforts, fostering accountability in the federal response to foreign financial responsibilities.
Summary
House Bill 685, titled the 'Chinese Government COVID-19 Accountability Act', seeks to hold the People's Republic of China financially responsible for the funds that the United States government has expended to address the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill directs the President, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and implement a strategy for seeking reimbursement from China regarding these expenditures. This action is predicated on findings that the U.S. economy has been adversely impacted by China's media controls and the lack of transparency in reporting related to COVID-19.
Contention
There are potential points of contention surrounding HB 685, particularly regarding its efficacy and the implications of seeking reimbursement from China. Critics may argue that the feasibility of recovering these funds is highly questionable, given the complexities of international law and economic relations. Furthermore, the bill could escalate tensions between the U.S. and China, which may result in retaliatory actions or diplomatic strains. Supporters, however, assert that this bill is a necessary step to hold China accountable and to signal to other nations that the U.S. will seek recompense for actions that have led to significant domestic economic challenges.
World Deserves To Know Act This bill requires sanctions on certain members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and officials of Chinese health agencies. It also addresses related issues. The President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person who is a CCP official and who is knowingly responsible for or complicit in (1) the disappearances of whistleblowers and citizen journalists in China relating to COVID-19, or (2) limiting free speech and academic freedom in China relating to COVID-19. The President must also impose such sanctions on specified individuals who have leadership positions in China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention and China's National Health Commission (NHC). The authority to impose such sanctions shall end when the President certifies to Congress that an independent and unimpeded investigation into the potential origin of COVID-19 from the Wuhan Institute of Virology has taken place. The bill also bars federal funds and certain federal student assistance from going to institutions of higher education that enter into a contract with any element or China-based affiliate of the NHC. Federal funding to the National Academy of Sciences may not be used to enter into a contract with any element or China-based affiliate of the NHC. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress a review of all funds that the National Institutes of Health have made available to the NHC since FY2010. This report must also be publicly available.