US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB1376

Introduced
3/3/23  
Refer
3/3/23  
Report Pass
3/7/23  

Caption

COVID–19 Origin Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB 1376 would allow for significant transparency regarding the United States' intelligence on the origins of COVID-19. By requiring the declassification of information related to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the bill may impact how future health crises are researched and managed. It aims to enable policymakers and health authorities to make informed decisions based on disclosed information, which could potentially reshape public health strategies and responses to pandemics.

Summary

House Bill 1376, titled the 'COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023', mandates the Director of National Intelligence to declassify information regarding the origins of COVID-19. This act is seen as a crucial step in understanding the potential sources of the virus, particularly focusing on any links with the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The primary goal of the bill is to ensure transparency and provide the necessary data to prevent future pandemics, emphasizing the importance of identifying the causes behind significant health crises.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1376 appears to be largely supportive among those advocating for increased transparency and accountability regarding the origins of COVID-19. Proponents praise the bill as a necessary move toward understanding how to better handle future health emergencies. However, there are also concerns expressed by some that the bill may fuel political tensions and promote conspiracy theories regarding the virus's origin without substantial evidence.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB 1376 is the implications of declassifying sensitive intelligence. Opponents might argue that revealing too much information could jeopardize national security or diplomatic relations, especially with China, which has faced scrutiny regarding the pandemic's origins. The balance between public transparency and national security is a critical issue that could lead to heated debates as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

US SB619

Same As COVID–19 Origin Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US SB3291

Enhanced COVID-19 Transparency Act of 2025

US SR63

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Finance.

US HB118

No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.

US HB93

Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2023 This bill requires a specific jury instruction in a federal civil action for damages based on negligence arising from the transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, a court must instruct the jury that negligence may not be found solely on the basis of holding oneself open for business.

US HB4871

COVID–19 Military Backpay Act of 2025

US HB117

This bill prohibits any entity that receives specified COVID-19 relief funds from mandating COVID-19 vaccines for its employees. An entity that violates this prohibition must return the funding it received.

US HB119

Freedom from Mandates Act This bill nullifies certain executive orders regarding COVID-19 safety and prohibits the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services (HHS) from taking specified actions with respect to vaccination against COVID-19. Specifically, the bill nullifies Executive Order 14042 (relating to ensuring adequate COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors) and Executive Order 14043 (requiring COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees). Labor may not issue any rule requiring employers to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or requiring testing of employees who are unvaccinated. HHS may not (1) require a health care provider, as a condition of participation in the Medicare or Medicaid program, to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or require testing of employees who are unvaccinated; or (2) otherwise penalize such a provider for failure to mandate such vaccination or require such testing.

US SB2097

COVID–19 Military Backpay Act of 2025

US HB229

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.

US SR1

A resolution establishing a Committee to Inform the President of the United States that a quorum of each House is assembled.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.