Tennessee Senate Bill SJR1135

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/24
• Engrossed: 4/11/24
• Refer: 4/11/24

Caption

A RESOLUTION relative to the World Health Organization Pandemic Prevention Preparedness and Response Accord.

Impact

If adopted, SJR1135 would have implications for how the United States interacts with international health agreements, particularly by challenging any actions perceived as undermining American autonomy over issues typically governed by national laws. The resolution emphasizes the need to uphold American values and the principles of self-governance, potentially influencing future legislative actions and diplomatic relations in matters concerning public health.

Summary

SJR1135 is a resolution aimed at expressing opposition to the United States' participation in the World Health Organization's Pandemic Prevention Preparedness and Response Accord (PPPRA). The bill articulates concerns that the adoption of this accord might compromise the sovereignty of the United States by transferring significant national and state powers to an international organization over which the U.S. has limited control. This apprehension stems from the belief that participation would obligate the U.S. to engage in extensive financial commitments, thereby expending taxpayers’ money to support global health initiatives.

Contention

Debate surrounding the resolution highlights significant contention between supporting the WHO's public health efforts and preserving national sovereignty. Proponents of SJR1135 argue that the WHO's authority, particularly concerning critical areas such as vaccinations and other healthcare directives, poses a threat to individual and constitutional rights. Opponents might contend that rescinding participation in the PPPRA could hamper the U.S.'s ability to respond effectively to global health crises, thereby diminishing its role in international cooperation on health matters.