US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB79

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

WHO Withdrawal Act This bill requires the President to immediately withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) and prohibits using any federal funds to provide for U.S. participation in the WHO. The bill also repeals the 1948 act authorizing the United States to join the WHO.

Impact

The immediate impact of HB 79 would be a cessation of U.S. involvement in the WHO, which could alter how public health policies are coordinated on an international level. This withdrawal would restrict the United States from participating in global initiatives aimed at responding to health crises and pandemics. The bill explicitly prohibits any federal funds from being allocated to support U.S. participation in the WHO, potentially leading to a reduction in global health collaboration and support from American agencies.

Summary

House Bill 79, known as the WHO Withdrawal Act, mandates the President of the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This legislation is a response to concerns among certain legislators about the perceived influence and authority of international organizations over domestic health policies. By requiring withdrawal from the WHO, the bill reflects a growing trend among some political factions to prioritize national sovereignty over multilateral governance in health matters.

Contention

The bill has sparked significant debate regarding the implications of disengaging from a prominent global health body. Supporters argue that the WHO has overstepped its bounds and that U.S. disengagement would restore American control over its health policies. Conversely, critics contend that such a move undermines essential global health coordination necessary for effectively managing health threats. They warn that withdrawing from the WHO could isolate the U.S. from critical health collaborations, which are vital in addressing infectious disease outbreaks and improving health outcomes worldwide.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB54

WHO Withdrawal Act

US HCR29

Expressing support for the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement.

US HB408

This bill nullifies two presidential memoranda that were published on January 6, 2025, including (1) the Memorandum on the Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Oil or Natural Gas Leasing, relating to the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, and Pacific areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS); and (2) the Memorandum on the Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Oil or Natural Gas Leasing, relating to the Bering Sea areas of the OCS. The memoranda prohibited the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) from issuing offshore leases for the exploration, development, or production (i.e., offshore drilling) of oil or natural gas in those areas.This bill reverses the withdrawal to allow BOEM to issue leases in those areas.

US HB212

Protecting our Land Act This bill requires the President to direct federal agencies to promulgate rules and regulations to prohibit foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism from purchasing real estate located in the United States.

US HJR93

Withdrawing approval of the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization.

US HB242

Equal Rights and Access for the Women of South Sudan Act This bill requires that activities carried out by the United States in South Sudan relating to governance, post-conflict reconstruction and development, police and military training, or refugee relief and assistance support the human rights of women and their full political, social, and economic participation.

US HB192

This bill prohibits an individual who is not a U.S. citizen from voting in any elections in the District of Columbia (DC). Federal law bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections; however, the DC Council passed a bill on October 18, 2022, that allows noncitizens who meet residency and other requirements to vote in local elections.

US HB164

Close Biden's Open Border Act This bill provides $15 billion for the Department of Homeland Security to construct a border wall along the southern border of the United States. It also imposes a two-year moratorium on funding for U.S. contributions to the United Nations (U.N.). During the two-year period, funds may not be authorized or otherwise made available for contributions to the U.N.

US SB92

Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics ActThis 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).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.

US HB184

This bill requires the President to notify Congress and the public before issuing executive orders relating to the natural resources of the United States and the environment.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.