The U.N.-funded WHO has been working since 2021 to negotiate and finalize this agreement with the stated goal to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Even if the plan is finalized, the U.S. is technically not bound to abide by rules created within the WHO; but the United States and 195 other countries are legally bound by the International Health Regulations that were adopted by the WHO in 2005.
WHO Secretary General Tedros Ghebreyesus (pictured above) had expressed concern the group might not meet its May deadline to assure countries and create a coalition of support. Now he's more optimistic.
"We have, I think, enough time if there is political commitment to have a deal and have the agreement by May 2024 so it will be endorsed in our assembly," Ghebreyesus told reporters recently.
According to one Republican House member, Ghebreyesus doesn't have to worry about Biden's commitment.
"They're on a fast track. So much of this has been done without very much scrutiny or insight," Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey) said on Washington Watch Wednesday. "What we do know from the draft of this pandemic [agreement] is that it will be binding. It'll be just as if the U.S. Congress and President signed a law that does all these things."
While the proposed agreement emphasizes worldwide cooperation in the event of a health emergency, critics say it's just a big power grab. The agreement would give WHO broad authority to issue vaccine and mask mandates, call for lockdowns, restrictions on travel and so many of the things that Americans witnessed with COVID-19.
The WHO is attempting to add amendments to the International Health Regulations that would grant it this emergency authority.
Because the WHO calls its preparedness document an agreement and not a treaty, it can sidestep the mandated Senate approval for U.S. participation. Smith is concerned Biden may act unilaterally.
"We've asked and demanded that if it does get approved, that Biden submit it to the Senate for ratification so it could be looked at from top to bottom – but he's very likely to do an executive agreement. That's what I talked about to WHO members over there who are negotiating," Smith told show host Tony Perkins.
It's about more than pandemic preparedness
The WHO agreement works in favored leftist policies such as abortion – with few if any restrictions – under the guise of "essential healthcare" and allows the WHO to combat "disinformation."
"How about the misinformation and disinformation that came from WHO itself about the origins [of], as well as the lethality and transferability of, COVID 19?" Smith asked.
Smith said the U.S., if it goes along with the agreement, could be on the hook for billions of dollars going to the WHO as soon as two years from now.
"If there is another pandemic like COVID-19, they would have enormous new powers – based on the drafts I've seen and it's not done yet – to mandate to us what we have to do," Smith warned.
