U.S. Global Health Legislation Tracker

This tracker provides a listing of global health-related legislation being considered by the 117th Congress (Jan. 3, 2021 – Jan. 3, 2023). Currently, there are more than 80 pieces of legislation related to global health. They address topics ranging from global health security to climate change to reproductive health. Sometimes a bill may address broader topics, but this tracker focuses on the global health aspects of the legislation.

The tracker includes the bill title, sponsor(s), current status, and topic, as well as a short description of its global health-related provisions. The tracker includes bills only; resolutions are not included. Legislation is listed in alphabetical order by short title. In certain cases, identical bills have been introduced in both chambers of Congress (often referred to as companion bills). For example, the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act and the Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act were each introduced in both chambers. Such companion bills are listed separately in the tracker.

Global Health Legislation During the 117th Congress
(as of August 19, 2022)
Title Date Introduced Bill # Sponsor Status Topic Summary of Global Health-Related Provisions
Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act of 2021

To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the use of funds for comprehensive reproductive health care services, and for other purposes.

3/9/2021 H.R. 1670 Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-9) Referred to HFAC Abortion, Helms amendment Includes statement of U.S. policy regarding safe abortion and working to end unsafe abortion; repeals the Helms Amendment (which prohibits the use of foreign assistance to pay for the performance of abortion as a method of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortion); states that notwithstanding any other provision of law, certain funds may be used to provide comprehensive reproductive health care services, including abortion services, training, and equipment.
Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act of 2022

To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the use of funds for comprehensive reproductive health care services, and for other purposes.

7/27/2022 S. 4641 Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) Read twice and referred to SFRC Abortion, Helms amendment Includes statement of U.S. policy regarding safe abortion and working to end unsafe abortion; repeals the Helms Amendment (which prohibits the use of foreign assistance to pay for the performance of abortion as a method of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortion); states that notwithstanding any other provision of law, certain funds may be used to provide comprehensive reproductive health care services, including abortion services, training, and equipment.
Advancing Emergency Preparedness Through One Health Act of 2021

To establish an interagency One Health Program, and for other purposes.

.3/18/2021 H.R. 2061 Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5) Referred to H. Energy & Commerce, H. Agriculture, H. Natural Resources, and HFAC One Health, global health security Requires the heads of HHS, USDA, USAID, DoD, and certain other agencies to develop, publish, and submit to Congress a national One Health Framework for coordinated federal activities under the One Health Program not later than one year after enactment; among other things, states the framework must describe existing efforts and contain recommendations for building upon and complementing the activities of the CDC, the FDA, USAID, NIH, and certain others and also establish specific federal goals and priorities and describe specific activities required to achieve these; requires the submission of an addendum to the framework not later than three years after its original submission, describing progress in advancing these activities; authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to develop the framework above; requires GAO to submit a report to Congress not later than two years after the addendum is submitted, detailing existing collaborative efforts among certain agencies for this purpose and containing an evaluation of the framework and its specified activities.
Advancing Emergency Preparedness Through One Health Act of 2021

To establish an interagency One Health Program, and for other purposes.

3/18/2021 S. 861 Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) Read twice and referred to S. HELP One Health, global health security Requires the heads of HHS, USDA, USAID, DoD, and certain other agencies to develop, publish, and submit to Congress a national One Health Framework for coordinated federal activities under the One Health Program not later than one year after enactment; among other things, states the framework must describe existing efforts and contain recommendations for building upon and complementing the activities of the CDC, the FDA, USAID, NIH, and certain others and also establish specific federal goals and priorities and describe specific activities required to achieve these; requires the submission of an addendum to the framework not later than three years after its original submission, describing progress in advancing these activities; authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to develop the framework above; requires GAO to submit a report to Congress not later than two years after the addendum is submitted, detailing existing collaborative efforts among certain agencies for this purpose and containing an evaluation of the framework and its specified activities.
American Medical Investment Generating Overseas Security Act
(AMIGOS Act)To prohibit the President from taking any action to support the waiver of obligations of members of the World Trade Organization under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights in relation to the prevention, containment, mitigation, or treatment of COVID–19 unless a statute is enacted expressly authorizing such a waiver with respect to the prevention, containment, mitigation, or treatment of COVID–19, and for other purposes.
5/14/2021 H.R. 3236 Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) Referred to HFAC and H. Ways and Means TRIPS, WTO, intellectual property rights, COVID-19 vaccines States the President may not take any action to support waiver of obligations of WRO members under the TRIPS agreement in relation to the prevention, containment, mitigation, or treatment of COVID-19 unless a statute is enacted expressly authorizing such a waiver with respect to such; requires the President to allocate excess U.S. COVID-19 vaccines in a specified order of priority, with certain exceptions, and to monitor the allocation of such to ensure assisted governments provide vaccines to their peoples in a timely manner and do not otherwise withhold them; requires such vaccines provided to foreign countries to be marked as assistance from the American people or the U.S. government and to include a depiction of the flag of the U.S. if appropriate.
American Values Act

To permanently enact certain appropriations Act restrictions on the use of funds for abortions and involuntary sterilizations, and for other purposes.

2/4/2021 S. 239 Sen. James Risch (R-ID) Read twice and referred to SFRC Abortion, involuntary sterilization amendment, Siljander amendment, Kemp-Kasten amendment, Peace Corps provision, Helms amendment, Biden amendment Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to codify in permanent law the Siljander amendment, which prohibits  the use of funds to lobby for or against abortion, and the Kemp-Kasten amendment, which prohibits funding any organization or program, as determined by the President, that supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization; restates the Helms amendment, the Involuntary Sterilization amendment (which prohibits the use of funds to pay for involuntary sterilizations as a method of family planning or to coerce or provide a financial incentive to anyone to undergo sterilization), and the Biden amendment (which states that funds may not be used for biomedical research related to methods of or the performance of abortion or involuntary sterilization as a means of family planning) that are already in permanent law. Also amends the Peace Corps Act to codify in permanent law the Peace Corps provision, which prohibits Peace Corps funding from paying for an abortion for a Peace Corps volunteer or trainee, except in cases where the life of the woman is endangered by pregnancy or in cases of rape or incest. In the past these have been included only in annual State-Foreign Operations appropriations language. See also the KFF fact sheet on FP/RH statutory requirements and policies and the KFF explainer on UNFPA funding and Kemp-Kasten.
Binational Health Strategies Act of 2021

To amend the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act, with respect to preparedness for COVID–19 and other infectious diseases in the border region, and for other purposes.

3/03/2021 H.R. 1538 Rep.. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) Referred to H. Energy and HFAC Mexico Authorizes and directs the President to seek to begin negotiations with Mexico to amend an existing agreement addressing infectious disease preparedness in the U.S.-Mexico Border Area, with respect to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, specifically requiring the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission to submit a report on the border area’s response to COVID-19 and requiring it to also develop and publicly publish a binational strategic plan that addresses how the area should strengthen its COVID-19 response, sharing relevant health data, and how a COVID-19 vaccine should be disbursed throughout the area, among other things; requires the Commission to publish what actions federal agencies in the U.S. and Mexico will take to facilitate implementation of the strategic plan and then to submit a report on actions taken each year; requires the Commission to develop and publish a plan to prepare and respond to infectious diseases (other than COVID-19) within the border area, to update the plan at least once every three years for as long as necessary, and to publish what actions federal agencies in the U.S. and Mexico will take to facilitate implementation of this plan, with a report on actions taken each year required to be submitted.
Biological Weapons Policy Act of 2021

To strengthen United States oversight of the Biological Weapons Convention and to advance non-proliferation objectives related to biological weapons, dual-use technologies, and life sciences research, and for other purposes.

9/30/2021 S. 2912 Sen. James Risch (R-ID) Read twice and referred to SFRC Global health States that U.S. policy shall be to ensure that U.S. government support for public health research and other actions are not inadvertently contributing to the proliferation of biological weapons and dual use technologies in the search for solutions to pressing global health challenges, among other things.
BLUE Pacific Act

To establish a comprehensive, long-term United States strategy and policy for the Pacific Islands, and for other purposes.

5/4/2021 H.R. 2967 Rep. Ed Case (D-HI-1) Referred to HFAC, H. Ways and Means, H. Natural Resources Public health capacity building, COVID-19, gender-based violence States U.S. policy is to develop and commit to a comprehensive, multifaceted, and principled U.S. policy in the Pacific Islands that, among other things, assists the Pacific Islands in preventing and containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic; requires the USAID Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of States, to develop and implement a strategy to assist the Pacific Islands in improving public health outcomes and building public health capacity, including in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; requires the strategy include programming to address maternal and child health, family planning and reproductive health, gender-based violence, food security and nutrition, NCDs, NTDs, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, STDs, and zoonotic and emerging infectious disease threats, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), health system strengthening, and other activities; requires a report not later than 180 days after enactment with strategy; authorizes to be appropriated $20 million for each FY22-FY26 to carry out these efforts; requires the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to develop and implement an initiative to encourage and support efforts by the Pacific Island to reduce and combat gender-based violence.
Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2021

To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a national strategic action plan and program to assist health professionals and systems in preparing for and responding to the public health effects of climate change, and for other purposes.

5/17/2021 H.R. 3271 Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA-8) Referred to H. Energy and Commerce Climate change, global health Directs Secretary of HHS to publish a strategic action plan and establish a climate change and health program (at CDC, in collaboration with other agencies, as appropriate) to ensure the public health and health care systems are prepared for and can respond to the impacts of climate change on health in the U.S. and other nations; requires the action plan include an assessment of U.S. capacity to address climate change including, among other things, providing technical assistance and support for preparedness and response plans for the health threats of climate change in developing countries, and developing or strengthening domestic and international disease surveillance systems and monitoring capacity to respond to health-related impacts of climate change; describes priority health actions for the climate and health program, including with regard to global health aspects of climate change; requires periodic updates of action plan; establishes science advisory board and its functions, including with regarding to international impacts of climate change on health; and directs HHS Secretary to have National Academies prepare reports on topic, with the first due in one year and then every 4 years thereafter.
Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2021

To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a national strategic action plan and program to assist health professionals and systems in preparing for and responding to the public health effects of climate change, and for other purposes.

5/19/2021 S. 1702 Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) Read twice and referred to S. HELP Climate change, global health Directs Secretary of HHS to publish a strategic action plan and establish a climate change and health program (at CDC, in collaboration with other agencies, as appropriate) to ensure the public health and health care systems are prepared for and can respond to the impacts of climate change on health in the U.S. and other nations; requires the action plan include an assessment of U.S. capacity to address climate change including, among other things, providing technical assistance and support for preparedness and response plans for the health threats of climate change in developing countries, and developing or strengthening domestic and international disease surveillance systems and monitoring capacity to respond to health-related impacts of climate change; describes priority health actions for the climate and health program, including with regard to global health aspects of climate change; requires periodic updates of action plan; establishes science advisory board and its functions, including with regarding to international impacts of climate change on health; and directs HHS Secretary to have National Academies prepare reports on topic, with the first due in one year and then every 4 years thereafter.
COVID Defense Act

To rescind 1.3 percent of total defense spending and authorize the same amount for international COVID vaccine production and distribution.

9/30/2021 H.R. 5461 Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI-2) Referred to HFAC and H. Approps. COVID-19, vaccines Rescinds approximately $9.6 billion in defense funding from certain unobligated balances and authorizes the same amount of funding to be appropriated to any federal agency/s designated by the President for international COVID vaccine production and distribution; allows such funds to be awarded to international organization as appropriate.
Curbing China’s Vaccine Diplomacy Act

To prioritize the international distribution of COVID-19 vaccine doses, and for other purposes.

7/6/2021 H.R.4362 Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-26) Referred to HFAC COVID-19, vaccines Requires the Secretary of States to prioritize, in carrying out the international distribution of COVID-19 vaccine doses, distribution to Taiwan and crucial Latin American allies, subject first to Administration certification to Congress that it has determined all Americans have been afforded ample opportunity to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19; requires the Secretary to ensure that not less than 25% of the total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses intended for international distribution are reserved for and distributed to Taiwan and crucial Latin American allies and states the Secretary may not distribute any doses to other recipients or countries until the above have each received at least a first shipment of their reserved doses; states the Secretary may not distribute COVID-19 vaccine doses to any country which has a government that has been determined to have engaged in systemic or widespread human rights abuses; terminates five days after the date on which the Secretary determines the above have each achieved 40% vaccination rates of their respective populations.
Department of State Authorization Act of 2022

To provide for certain authorities of the Department of State, and for other purposes.

7/28/2022 S. 4653 Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Read twice and referred to SFRC Global health, countries in crisis Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the “Health Systems and Resilience Fund” to be used by USAID for global health activities in challenging environments and countries in crisis; authorizes $10 million to be appropriated to the Fund, which shall remain available until expended.
Economic Statecraft for the Twenty-First Century Act

To address issues involving the economic statecraft of the United States, and for other purposes.

 

 

4/28/2022 S. 4112 Sen. Robert Menendez D-NJ) Read twice and referred to SFRC Global health security, COVID-19 Expresses Sense of Congress that the Build Back Better World initiative of the Group of Seven (G7) should also advance strategic objectives, including promoting public health and health security through infrastructure projects that increase the availability, accessibility, and affordability of health care in partner countries; expresses Sense of Congress that the United States must exercise leadership in the international community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic regarding public health, including by revitalizing the United Nations and its associated institutions to coordinate and facilitate international initiatives that promote global health; expresses Sense of Congress that United States foreign assistance and development finance must better suit its institutions to improve global resilience capacities and mitigate harmful effects of international shocks and stresses, including by:
-equipping people, institutions, and international systems with the tools and resources necessary to avoid, cope with, and recover from modern threats, such as pandemic diseases, climate change, and supply chain disruptions,
-prioritizing funding for foreign assistance and development finance initiatives that seek to prevent, respond and reduce risks of international shocks,
-expanding foreign capacity building initiatives in public health, and
-providing support for countries to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and access to effective and equitable development finance in order to reduce dependence on foreign assistance.
End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2022

To prevent, treat, and cure tuberculosis globally.

 

8/5/2022 H.R. 8654 Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA-7) Referred to HFAC Tuberculosis States that it is a major objective of the foreign assistance program of the United States to help end the global tuberculosis (TB) pandemic through actions to support the diagnosis and treatment of all adults and children with all forms of TB, and to prevent new TB infections; outlines objectives and goals of U.S. policy related to TB, including-to ensure that United States funding supports activities that simultaneously emphasize the development of comprehensive person-centered programs, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies, and the deployment of diagnostic and treatment capacity in areas with the highest TB burdens and for highly at-risk and impoverished populations, including patient support, among other things; directs the President to establish goals for U.S. TB programs to detect, cure and prevent all forms of TB globally for the period between 2023 and 2030 that is aligned with the End TB Strategy’s 2030 targets, by updating the United States Government TB Strategy (2015–2019) and the National Action Plan for Combating Multidrug-Resistant TB; requires the President to coordinate with WHO, the Stop TB Partnership, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, and other organizations with respect to the development and implementation of a comprehensive global TB response program; requires the President, acting through the USAID Administrator, to catalyze support for research and development (R&D) of new tools to prevent, diagnose, treat, and control TB worldwide, particularly to reduce the incidence of, and mortality from, all forms of drug-resistant TB; identifies priorities for furnishing U.S. assistance, including individuals co-infected with HIV and other co-morbidities, and other individuals with TB who may be at risk of stigma and strengthening the capacity of health systems to detect, prevent, and treat TB, including MDR–TB and XDR–TB, as well as the Stop TB Partnership’s Global Drug Facility, and the Global Alliance for TB Drug Development, and other organizations promoting the development of new products and drugs for TB, among other things; authorizes the President, via the USAID Administrator, to provide increased resources to WHO and the Stop TB Partnership to improve the capacity of countries with high burdens or rates of TB and other affected countries to implement the End TB Strategy, the Stop TB Global Plan to End TB, their own national strategies and plans, other global efforts to control MDR–TB and XDR–TB; requires an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees on U.S. TB activities and their impact, with for the first 3 years of the report a required section that describes the progress in recovering from the negative impact of COVID–19 on TB; requires the President, acting through the USAID Administrator in coordination with others, to submit an annual report to Congress on TB R&D; requires an evaluation report by the Comptroller General not later than 2 years after enactment and every five years after until 2036 that evaluates the performance and impact on TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care efforts that are supported by United States bilateral assistance funding, including recommendations for improving such programs.
End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2021

To prevent, treat, and cure tuberculosis globally.

 

12/14/2021 S. 3386 Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Read twice and referred to SFRC Tuberculosis States that it is a major objective of the foreign assistance program of the United States to help end the global tuberculosis (TB) pandemic through actions to support the diagnosis and treatment of all adults and children with all forms of TB, and to prevent new TB infections in adults and children; outlines objectives and goals of U.S. policy related to TB, including-to ensure that United States funding supports activities that simultaneously emphasize the development of comprehensive person-centered programs, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies, and the deployment of diagnostic and treatment capacity in areas with the highest TB burdens and for highly at-risk and impoverished populations, including patient support, among other things; directs the President to establish goals for U.S. TB programs to detect, cure and prevent all forms of TB globally for the period between 2023 and 2030 that is aligned with the End TB Strategy’s 2030 targets, by updating the United States Government TB Strategy (2015–2019) and the National Action Plan for Combating Multidrug-Resistant TB; requires the President to coordinate with WHO, the Stop TB Partnership, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, and other organizations with respect to the development and implementation of a comprehensive global TB response program; requires the President, acting through the USAID Administrator, to catalyze support for research and development (R&D) of new tools to prevent, diagnose, treat, and control TB worldwide, particularly to reduce the incidence of, and mortality from, all forms of drug-resistant TB; identifies priorities for furnishing U.S. assistance, including individuals co-infected with HIV and other co-morbidities, and other individuals with TB who may be at risk of stigma and strengthening the capacity of health systems to detect, prevent, and treat TB, including MDR–TB and XDR–TB, as well as the Stop TB Partnership’s Global Drug Facility, and the Global Alliance for TB Drug Development, and other organizations promoting the development of new products and drugs for TB, among other things; authorizes the President, via the USAID Administrator, to provide increased resources to WHO and the Stop TB Partnership to improve the capacity of countries with high burdens or rates of TB and other affected countries to implement the End TB Strategy, the Stop TB Global Plan to End TB, their own national strategies and plans, other global efforts to control MDR–TB and XDR–TB; requires an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees on U.S. TB activities and their impact, with for the first 3 years of the report a required section that describes the progress in recovering from the negative impact of COVID–19 on TB; requires the President, acting through the USAID Administrator in coordination with others, to submit an annual report to Congress on TB R&D; requires an evaluation report by the Comptroller General not later than 2 years after enactment and every five years after until 2036 that evaluates the performance and impact on TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care efforts that are supported by United States bilateral assistance funding, including recommendations for improving such programs.
Global Autism Act

To establish a Global Autism Assistance Program.

6/24/2021 H.R. 4160 Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ-4) Referred to HFAC Autism Establishes a health and education grant program known as the Global Autism Assistance Program at USAID to support activities focused on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in developing countries and to establish a program, known as Train the Trainers, to train health and education professionals working with children with ASD in developing countries; outlines designation of eligible regions and selection of implementing NGO and activities it may carry out with the grant; requires the implementing NGO to establish a Project Advisory Board to review local applications for content and appropriateness; to carry out this program, requires the USAID Administrator to allocate amounts that have been appropriated or otherwise made available to USAID; requires an annual report on activities.
Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022

To modify and extend the Global Food Security Act of 2016.

07/20/2022 H.R. 8446 Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN-4) Referred to HFAC Food security, nutrition, adolescent girls Amends the Global Food Security Act of 2016’s statement of policy objectives to mention:
-increasing the availability and affordability of high quality nutritious and safe foods, and sustainable clean water,
-improving the nutritional status of not only women and children but also adolescent girls specifically, including through activities that improve nutrition, especially during the first 1,000 day window until a child reaches 2 years of age, and
-leveraging broader U.S. strategies and investments in deworming.
Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022

To amend the Global Food Security Act of 2016 to improve the comprehensive strategic approach for United States foreign assistance to developing countries to reduce global poverty and hunger, achieve food and nutrition security, promote inclusive, sustainable, agricultural-led economic growth, improve nutritional outcomes, especially for women and children, build resilience among vulnerable populations, and for other purposes.
7/27/2022 S. 4649 Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA) Read twice and referred to SFRC Food security, nutrition, adolescent girls Amends the Global Food Security Act of 2016’s statement of policy objectives to mention:
-improving the nutritional status of not only women and children but also adolescent girls specifically.
Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act
(Global HER Act)
To prohibit the application of certain restrictive eligibility requirements to foreign nongovernmental organizations with respect to the provision of assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
1/28/2021 H.R. 556 Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) Referred to HFAC Abortion, Mexico City policy Codifies prohibition of the expanded Mexico City policy (rescinded by President Biden in Jan. 2021, see KFF explainer): states that notwithstanding any provision of law, regulation, or policy, foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) shall not be ineligible for certain foreign aid under the Foreign Assistance Act solely on the basis of health or medical services provided with non-U.S. funds (insofar as legal in country where provided and under U.S. law) and shall not be subject to requirements relating to their use of non-U.S. funds for advocacy and lobbying activities.*
Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act
(Global HER Act)
To prohibit the application of certain restrictive eligibility requirements to foreign nongovernmental organizations with respect to the provision of assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
1/28/2021 S. 142 Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Read twice and referred to SFRC Abortion, Mexico City policy Codifies prohibition of the expanded Mexico City policy (rescinded by President Biden in Jan. 2021, see KFF explainer): states that notwithstanding any provision of law, regulation, or policy, foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) shall not be ineligible for certain foreign aid under the Foreign Assistance Act solely on the basis of health or medical services provided with non-U.S. funds (insofar as legal in country where provided and under U.S. law) and shall not be subject to requirements relating to their use of non-U.S. funds for advocacy and lobbying activities.*
Global Health Security Act of 2021

To authorize a comprehensive, strategic approach for United States foreign assistance to developing countries to strengthen global health security, and for other purposes.

1/21/2021 H.R. 391 Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA-11) Passed House, read twice and referred to SFRC Global health security, global health emergencies States it is U.S. policy to promote and invest in global health security and pandemic preparedness as a core national security interest; establishes a Global Health Security Agenda Interagency Review Council, designates members, responsibilities, and frequency of meetings; designates a U.S. Coordinator for Global Health Security responsible for coordination of the interagency process for responding to global health security emergencies; express Sense of Congress that the President should consider appointing an individual with significant background and expertise in public health or emergency response management to such position; requires a U.S. global health security strategy, its implementation (including agency-specific plans), and an annual report on status of implementation; directs the Secretary of State, Treasury Secretary, USAID Administrator, and HHS Secretary, among others, to seek to enter into negotiations with donors, relevant U.N. agencies (including WHO), and other stakeholders to establish a fund for global health security and pandemic preparedness as a multilateral, catalytic financing mechanism; describes Fund’s Advisory Board, purpose, Executive Board and its makeup and duties; creates a Coordinator of U.S. government activities to advance global health security, who shall be appointed by the President to represent the U.S. on the Executive Board; outlines eligible partner country definition and Fund program objectives, supported activities, administration, including appointment of an Administrator appointed by the Executive Board, and transparency and accountability requirements; requires reports to Congress on the Fund including a 6 month status report and then annual reports after the Fund’s establishment; and authorizes U.S. contributions to the Fund with a limit that the U.S. share not exceed 33% of total contributions to the Fund cumulatively.
Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021

To advance targeted and evidence-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of global malnutrition and to improve the coordination of such programs, and for other purposes.

07/26/2021 H.R. 4693 Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX-10) Passed House, placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders Malnutrition Authorizes the USAID Administrator to support efforts to prevent and treat malnutrition globally, including by targeting resources and nutrition interventions to support the most vulnerable populations susceptible to severe malnutrition, including children under the age of 5 and pregnant and lactating women; directs the Administrator and others to coordinate with bilateral and multilateral donors, governments of partner countries, U.N. agencies, and others to prevent and treat malnutrition globally; requires the Administrator and others to seek to leverage additional resources to this end by increasing interagency cooperation among relevant departments and agencies represented in the Global Nutrition Coordination Plan; requires the selection of priority countries and outlines criteria; express Sense of Congress that efforts to undertake nutrition interventions in countries not selected as priority countries should continue; authorizes the establishment of the Nutrition Leadership Council within USAID and outlines its duties and membership; requires the development of an implementation plan; requires an annual progress report for five years.
Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021

To advance targeted, high-impact, and evidence-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of global malnutrition, to improve the coordination of such programs, and for other purposes.

 

10/7/2021 S. 2956 Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) Read twice and referred to SFRC Malnutrition Authorizes the USAID Administrator to support efforts to prevent and treat malnutrition globally, including by targeting resources and nutrition interventions to support the most vulnerable populations susceptible to severe malnutrition, including children under the age of 5 and pregnant and lactating women; directs the Administrator and others to coordinate with bilateral and multilateral donors, governments of partner countries, U.N. agencies, and others to prevent and treat malnutrition globally; requires the selection of priority countries and outlines criteria; express Sense of Congress that efforts to undertake nutrition interventions in countries not selected as priority countries should continue; authorizes the establishment of the Nutrition Leadership Council within USAID and outlines its duties and membership; requires the development of an implementation plan; requires an annual progress report for six years.
Global Pandemic Prevention and Biosecurity Act

To establish a global zoonotic disease task force, and for other purposes.

 

5/20/2021 H.R. 3424 Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY-6) Referred to HFAC Pandemic, zoonotic diseases, One Health, global health security, biosecurity Requires the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to work with certain relevant agency heads to coordinate, work with, and engage governments, multilateral entities, and certain others to prevent zoonotic spillover events through various actions such as addressing the commercial trade in wildlife, strengthening global capacity for detection of zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential, and supporting the development of One Health systems at the community level; establishes the global zoonotic disease task force and outlines its membership and their terms, duties (including developing and publishing a plan for global biosecurity and zoonotic disease prevention and response and expanding the scope of the global health security strategy to more robustly support the prevention of zoonotic spillover and to respond to zoonotic disease investigations and outbreaks by establishing a 10 year strategy), required reports from agencies to the task force as well as from the task force to Congress, and its termination date 7 years after the date of enactment or a later date that is not later than two years after that.
Global Pandemic Prevention and Biosecurity Act

To establish a global zoonotic disease task force, and for other purposes.

 

5/20/2021 S.1737 Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) Read twice and referred to SFRC Pandemic, zoonotic diseases, One Health, global health security, biosecurity Requires the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to work with certain relevant agency heads to coordinate, work with, and engage governments, multilateral entities, and certain others to prevent zoonotic spillover events through various actions such as addressing the commercial trade in wildlife, strengthening global capacity for detection of zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential, and supporting the development of One Health systems at the community level; establishes the global zoonotic disease task force and outlines its membership and their terms, duties (including developing and publishing a plan for global biosecurity and zoonotic disease prevention and response and expanding the scope of the global health security strategy to more robustly support the prevention of zoonotic spillover and to respond to zoonotic disease investigations and outbreaks by establishing a 10 year strategy), required reports from agencies to the task force as well as from the task force to Congress, and its termination date 7 years after the date of enactment or a later date that is not later than two years after that.
Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2021
(GLOBE Act of 2021)To protect human rights and enhance opportunities for LGBTQI people around the world, and for other purposes. 
6/9/2021 S. 1996 Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) Read twice and referred to SFRC LGBTQI health, HIV, Mexico City policy Requires equal access of all elements of the population to programs funded by U.S. assistance, including global health programs.

Also requires PEPFAR to: be implemented in a way that equitably serves LGBTQI people, submit a report to Congress describing international prosecutions for sex work or consensual sexual activity based on commodities provided by PEPFAR or other U.S. support, and submit a report to Congress on HIV/AIDS-related index testing; requires GAO to submit a report to Congress that describes the impact of the implementation and enforcement of any iteration of the Mexico City Policy on the global LGBTQI community; and expresses Sense of Congress regarding the U.S. engaging international organizations in efforts to eliminate LGBTQI discrimination.

Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2021
(GLOBE Act of 2021)To protect human rights and enhance opportunities for LGBTQI people around the world, and for other purposes. 
6/8/2021 H.R. 3800 Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV-1) Referred to HFAC, H. Judiciary LGBTQI health, HIV, Mexico City policy Requires equal access of all elements of the population to programs funded by U.S. assistance, including global health programs.

Also requires PEPFAR to: be implemented in a way that equitably serves LGBTQI people, submit a report to Congress describing international prosecutions for sex work or consensual sexual activity based on commodities provided by PEPFAR or other U.S. support, and submit a report to Congress on HIV/AIDS-related index testing; requires GAO to submit a report to Congress that describes the impact of the implementation and enforcement of any iteration of the Mexico City Policy on the global LGBTQI community; expresses Sense of Congress regarding the U.S. engaging international organizations in efforts to eliminate LGBTQI discrimination; and repeals the Mexico City policy by removing certain limitations on eligibility for foreign assistance.

Honoring OCEANIA Act

To strengthen United States engagement in the Oceania region and enhance the security and resilience of allies and partners of the Oceania community, and for other purposes.

5/20/2021 H.R. 3373

 

Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA-7) Referred to HFAC, H. Veterans’ Affairs, H. Natural Resources, H. Armed Services, H. Financial Services, H. Judiciary, H. Transportation and Infrastructure, H. Homeland Security Public health capacity building, global health security States it is U.S. policy to, among other things, improve the local capacity of the countries of Oceania to address public health challenges and improve global health security; requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the HHS Secretary, to establish a program to support building public health capacity and improving access to care and local health outcomes in Oceania related to maternal and child health, STDs, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, NTDs, NCDs, gender-based violence, substance use disorder, mortality due to epidemics, disasters, and the impacts from severe weather and environmental change, and other health issues; requires a report on these efforts annually; authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the program; requires amounts appropriated or made available to remain available under expended.
Honoring OCEANIA Act

To strengthen United States engagement in the Oceania region and enhance the security and resilience of allies and partners of the Oceania community, and for other purposes.

5/20/2021 S. 1774 Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) Read twice and referred to SFRC Public health capacity building, global health security States it is U.S. policy to, among other things, improve the local capacity of the countries of Oceania to address public health challenges and improve global health security; requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the HHS Secretary, to establish a program to support building public health capacity and improving access to care and local health outcomes in Oceania related to maternal and child health, STDs, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, NTDs, NCDs, gender-based violence, substance use disorder, mortality due to epidemics, disasters, and the impacts from severe weather and environmental change, and other health issues; requires a report on these efforts annually; authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the program; requires amounts appropriated or made available to remain available under expended.
International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021

To establish in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the Department of State a Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Peoples, and for other purposes.

2/22/2021 H.R. 1201 Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA-47) Referred to HFAC LGBTI health, HIV Includes statement of U.S. policy regarding LGBTI issues globally, including employing a multisectoral approach to preventing and responding to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTI people internationally, including activities in the health sector; authorizes the provision of U.S. assistance to prevent and respond to these issues internationally, including enhancement of health sector capacity related to violence against LGBTI people and communities and to combat HIV.
International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021

To establish in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the Department of State a Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Peoples, and for other purposes.

2/24/2021 S. 424 Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) Read twice and referred to SFRC LGBTI health, HIV Includes statement of U.S. policy regarding LGBTI issues globally, including employing a multisectoral approach to preventing and responding to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTI people internationally, including activities in the health sector; authorizes the provision of U.S. assistance to prevent and respond to these issues internationally, including enhancement of health sector capacity related to violence against LGBTI people and communities and to combat HIV.
International Pandemic Preparedness and COVID-19 Response Act of 2021

To improve global health, and for other purposes.

6/24/2021 S. 2297 Sen. James Risch (R-ID) Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders Pandemic preparedness, COVID-19, vaccines, WHO, health systems strengthening, CEPI, global health security, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and malaria Requires a report describing certain foreign assistance obligated/expended under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and a plan for certain remaining funds; requires development of a strategy to expand access to, and accelerate the global distribution of, COVID-19 vaccines to other countries; requires a report that assesses the global humanitarian response to COVID-19 and outlines specific elements of the U.S. government’s country-level response to the COVID-19 pandemic; in the event of an infectious disease outbreak outside the U.S. with pandemic potential, states the President should designate the Department of State to serve as the lead for diplomatic engagement and related foreign policy efforts, USAID to serve as the key lead agency for design and implementation of the U.S. international response, relief, and recovery assistance, and the CDC to serve as the public health lead for the international response such as building up (in coordination with USAID) emergency operation centers; allows certain foreign assistance funding to be used to support USAID disaster surge capacity; requires a U.S. global health security strategy and report; authorizes to be established a committee on global health security and pandemic and biological threats within the National Security Council  (NSC) led by the Special Advisor for Global Health Security of the NSC; within the Department of State, establishes a Special Representative for U.S. international activities to advance global health security and diplomacy overseas, to be appointed by the President and report to the Secretary of State and to lead in developing a global pandemic prevention, preparedness and response framework; authorizes the Representative to transfer and allocate certain U.S. foreign assistance funding to the relevant departments and agencies implementing the U.S. global health security strategy; authorizes to be appropriated $3 billion for the five-year period beginning Oct. 1, 2022, to support enhancing preparedness in partner countries, replenishing the USAID Emergency Reserve Fund, U.S. contributions to the World Bank Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Multi-Donor Fund, and U.S. contributions to a new multilateral, catalytic financing mechanism for global health security and pandemic prevention and preparedness (see “the Fund” below); requires U.S. global health program leadership identify areas of collaboration and coordination to ensure that such activities contribute to health systems strengthening; directs the Secretary of State, with the USAID Administrator, to work with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, bilateral donors, and others to develop shared core indicators for strengthened health systems; authorizes the U.S. to participate in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI); expresses Sense of Congress that the President should make an immediate contribution to CEPI of $300 million to expand research and development of vaccines to combat the spread of COVID-19 variants; requires an annual National Intelligence Estimate (for five years) regarding the risks posed to the national security interests of the U.S. by the emergence, reemergence, and overseas transmission of pathogens with pandemic potential; requires the Secretary of State and others to work with WHO and other key stakeholders to establish or strengthen effective early warning systems for infectious disease threats with epidemic and pandemic potential; directs the Secretary of State, with the HHS Secretary, to work with WHO and like-minded member states to adopt an approach toward assessing infectious disease threats under the International Health Regulations (2005) for the WHO to identify and transparently communicate on an ongoing basis varying levels of risk leading up to, and during and after, a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) declaration; directs the Secretary of State and others to seek to enter into negotiations to establish “the Fund;” authorizes the President to make available for U.S. contributions to the Fund such funds as may be appropriated or otherwise made available for such purpose; limits the U.S. contribution to the Fund to not exceed 33% of the total contributions from all sources.
Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings Act
(MINDS Act)To enhance mental health and psychosocial support within United States foreign assistance programs.
6/17/2021 H.R. 3988 Rep. Theodore Deutch (D-FL-22) Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote Mental health, children in adversity, COVID-19 Expresses Sense of Congress that mental health is integral and essential to overall health outcomes and other development objectives; codifies the position of USAID coordinator for mental health and psychosocial support and describes the position’s duties, including establishing a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Working Group; describes the Group’s duties and members; states U.S. policy is to integrate mental health and psychosocial support across all foreign assistance programs funded by the U.S.; requires USAID and the Department of State regional bureaus and missions to utilize such policy for local capacity building, as appropriate and that such programming be evidence-based and culturally competent and respond to the specific needs of children in adversity; requires USAID to brief Congress on progress and challenges to implementation, including programming in conflict and humanitarian settings, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on programming; requires the USAID Administrator in consultation with the OMB Director to brief Congress annually for five years (FY22 – FY26) on spending for this programming in U.S. foreign assistance.
Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings Act
(MINDS Act)To enhance mental health and psychosocial support within United States foreign assistance programs.
6/17/2021 S. 2105 Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA) Read twice and referred to SFRC Mental health, children in adversity, COVID-19 Expresses Sense of Congress that mental health is integral and essential to overall health outcomes and other development objectives; codifies the position of USAID coordinator for mental health and psychosocial support and describes the position’s duties, including establishing a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Working Group; describes the Group’s duties and members; states U.S. policy is to integrate mental health and psychosocial support across all foreign assistance programs funded by the U.S.; requires USAID and the Department of State regional bureaus and missions to utilize such policy for local capacity building, as appropriate and that such programming be evidence-based and culturally competent and respond to the specific needs of children in adversity; requires USAID to brief Congress on progress and challenges to implementation, including programming in conflict and humanitarian settings, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on programming; requires the USAID Administrator in consultation with the OMB Director to brief Congress annually for five years (FY22 – FY26) on spending for this programming in U.S. foreign assistance.
Multilateral Aid Review Act of 2022

To establish a review of United States multilateral aid.

 

1/10/2022

 

S. 3469 Sen. James Risch (R-ID) Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders Multilateral organizations States the purpose of this Act is to establish a U.S. Multilateral Aid Review to publicly assess the value of U.S. government investments in multilateral entities and outlines the objectives of the Review, including to provide a tool to guide the United States Government’s decision making and prioritization with regard to funding multilateral entities; requires the Review to assess certain multilateral entities supported by the U.S., including (among others) the World Bank, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Joint U.N. Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA), and WHO; establishes a Task Force chaired by the Secretary of State and peopled by Senate-confirmed senior officials from across the interagency as appointed to the Task Force by the President; requires it to submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes the findings of the Review not later than 21 months after enactment; requires the Task Force to establish an analytical framework and assessment scorecard for the Review using specific assessment criteria (including the relationship of stated goals to actual results, responsible management, accountability and transparency, alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives, and the extent to which pursuing these objectives through a multilateral approach is effective and cost-efficient compared to, or complementary to, a bilateral approach, as well as the extent to which there are redundancies and overlap in these supported institutions), with congressional consultation on the methodology; requires the Secretary of State to publish the final criteria and methodology for the Review on the State Department website at a certain time; establishes the U.S. Multilateral Aid Review Peer Review Group and outlines the composition of membership, appointment criteria and term, and its role in reviewing the draft report of the Task Force, with which it will meet regularly including to offer an initiative review of their methodology and to offer their expertise of the funding and performance of multilateral entities; terminates these authorities and requirements two years after enactment.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

H.R. 7900 5/27/2022 Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA-9) Passed House, read twice and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders Global health security, global health emergencies Includes, in Title LXIX, the Global Health Security Act of 2022 (see entry for the Act of 2021 above for summary).
Never Again International Outbreak Prevention Act

To provide accountability with respect to international reporting and monitoring of outbreaks of novel viruses and diseases.

05/28/2021 H.R. 3583 Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) Referred to HFAC, H. Financial Services, H. Judiciary, H. Oversight and Reform COVID-19, global health security, pandemics, wet markets Describes criteria for foreign countries to be categorized into several tier lists by the Secretary of State based on the countries’ compliance with international reporting and monitoring of outbreaks of novel viruses and diseases; requires the Secretary of State to report annually on the status of these lists to the appropriate congressional committees; requires that these requirements are reflected in the annual U.S. government global health security strategy; requires the President to take one or more described actions with respect to foreign countries included on the Tier 2 list; states that a foreign state shall not be immune from the jurisdiction of the courts of the U.S.in any case in which damages are sought against a foreign state for physical injury to person or property or death occurring in the United States and caused by a failure to abide the requirements laid out in particular parts of this Act or are determined to have intentionally misled the international community or WHO on the outbreak or spread of a health concern that leads to a pandemic; allows the President to impose certain sanctions with respect to any foreign person the President determines, based on credible evidence, is a government official of a foreign country on the Tier 2 list, or a senior associate of such an official, that is responsible for, or complicit in, ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, or financially benefits from, acts intended to deliberately conceal or distort information about a public health emergency of international concern, including acts intended to deliberately withhold information from or obstruct the activities of WHO with respect to a public health emergency of international concern, or has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, a certain acts; requires the President to submit periodic reports to appropriate congressional committees on sanctioned foreign persons; allows the President to terminate the application of such sanctions; requires the President to seek to work with the heads of other Group of Twenty (G–20) countries and international organizations to investigate and prepare a report on the international response to COVID–19 and conduct an audit of WHO relating to its actions in response to COVID–19; requires the U.S. representative to the U.N. to request the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services to establish a panel with representatives from each G–20 country and international organization to conduct a review of WHO’s to COVID–19 and make recommendations to the U.N. and the U.N. Security Council on actions that can be taken to ensure improved future responses and ensure accountability of WHO officials for identified failures; requires the U.S. representative to the U.N. to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to seek the adoption in the U.N. General Assembly or Security Council of a resolution to ban wet markets globally.
No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act

To require any convention, agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response reached by the World Health Assembly to be subject to Senate ratification.

5/26/2022 S. 4343 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) Read twice and referred to SFRC Pandemic preparedness and response, WHO Expresses the Sense of the Senate that the Senate strongly prefers that any pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response agreement adopted by the World Health Assembly be considered a treaty requiring the advice and consent of the Senate, with two-thirds of Senators concurring, and that given the level of public distrust of WHO by a “significant segment of the American public” any relevant new agreement by the World Health Assembly that does not garner such Senate concurrence should not be agreed to or implemented by the United States; then reiterates that any such agreement is deemed to be a treaty subject to the advice and consent requirements of the Constitution.
Nullifying Opportunities for Variants to Infect and Decimate Act
(NOVID Act)To establish a program to oversee the global COVID-19 response and prepare for future pandemics, and for other purposes.
6/8/2021 H.R. 3778 Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8) Referred to HFAC and H. Energy and Commerce COVID-19, global health security, pandemic preparedness and response Establishes the pandemic preparedness and response program to be responsible for and provide oversight over the U.S. global health response to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect Americans from the emergence of COVID-19 variants and other pathogens with pandemic potential; require President to appoint program director who will coordinate the work of identified agencies, including USAID, CDC, and the Department of State, among others; requires development of a comprehensive strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide as well as a long-term strategy for preventing future pandemics; authorizes to be appropriated $34 billion for these efforts, and expresses Sense of Congress that $25 billion be made available to scale vaccine manufacturing capacity and produce vaccines, $8.5 billion to cover the cost of end-to-end delivery and administration of vaccines in target countries, and $500 million to establish a global disease surveillance network to protect against future pandemics; describes implementation of comprehensive strategy, including requiring director to ensure immediate release of 80 million vaccine doses that the U.S. has already committed to send abroad and to reassess the U.S. vaccine stockpile to determine whether further vaccines can be sent abroad and to coordinate with BARDA to rapidly scale manufacturing capacity around the world to produce 8 billion vaccine doses as soon as possible; also requires director to ensure equitable access to vaccines in collaboration with COVAX and to work with international partners to provide enough vaccines to lower- and middle-income countries to fully vaccinate at least 60% of their respective populations, especially 92 countries identified by COVAX as being most in need of assistance; requires the program to, among other things, build on PEPFAR and other existing U.S. programs and relationships bilaterally and multilaterally; express Sense of Congress that in the face of a global health emergency, the U.S. government has broad authority, including under the Defense Production Act and the “Bayh-Dole Act”, to ensure adequate supply of vaccines, necessary components, and raw materials through technology sharing and direct collaboration with manufacturers around the world.
Nullifying Opportunities for Variants to Infect and Decimate Act
(NOVID Act)
To establish a program to oversee the global COVID-19 response and prepare for future pandemics, and for other purposes.
6/8/2021 S. 1976 Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Read twice and referred to SFRC COVID-19, global health security, pandemic preparedness and response Establishes the pandemic preparedness and response program to be responsible for and provide oversight over the U.S. global health response to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect Americans from the emergence of COVID-19 variants and other pathogens with pandemic potential; require President to appoint program director who will coordinate the work of identified agencies, including USAID, CDC, and the Department of State, among others; requires development of a comprehensive strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide as well as a long-term strategy for preventing future pandemics; authorizes to be appropriated $34 billion for these efforts, and expresses Sense of Congress that $25 billion be made available to scale vaccine manufacturing capacity and produce vaccines, $8.5 billion to cover the cost of end-to-end delivery and administration of vaccines in target countries, and $500 million to establish a global disease surveillance network to protect against future pandemics; describes implementation of comprehensive strategy, including requiring director to ensure immediate release of 80 million vaccine doses that the U.S. has already committed to send abroad and to reassess the U.S. vaccine stockpile to determine whether further vaccines can be sent abroad and to coordinate with BARDA to rapidly scale manufacturing capacity around the world to produce 8 billion vaccine doses as soon as possible; also requires director to ensure equitable access to vaccines in collaboration with COVAX and to work with international partners to provide enough vaccines to lower- and middle-income countries to fully vaccinate at least 60% of their respective populations, especially 92 countries identified by COVAX as being most in need of assistance; requires the program to, among other things, build on PEPFAR and other existing U.S. programs and relationships bilaterally and multilaterally; express Sense of Congress that in the face of a global health emergency, the U.S. government has broad authority, including under the Defense Production Act and the “Bayh-Dole Act”, to ensure adequate supply of vaccines, necessary components, and raw materials through technology sharing and direct collaboration with manufacturers around the world.
Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act of 2022

To authorize assistance to aid in the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula in foreign countries, and for other purposes.

05/24/2022 H.R. 7869 Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-12) Referred to HFAC Obstetric fistula, physician training, women’s health care, childbirth injuries Authorizes the President to provide assistance to address the social, structural, health, and human rights issues that lead to obstetric fistula, to support treatment of obstetric fistula that includes strengthening the safe surgery and safe anesthesia environment in every country where it persists and where obstetric services do not meet an acceptable standard of care, and to address and acknowledge the urgency of ensuring that all women who need a Caesarean section are able to have access to such life-saving surgery; describes allowable activities for such assistance; requires such assistance promote the UNFPA-led global Campaign to End Fistula and the International Obstetric Fistula Working Group and be used for the development and implementation of evidence-based programs, including monitoring, evaluation, and research to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of such programs.
Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act

To authorize assistance to train and retain obstetrician-gynecologists and sub-specialists in urogynecology and to help improve the quality of care to meet the health care needs of women in least developed countries, and for other purposes.

5/24/2022 H.R. 7864 Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3) Referred to HFAC Physician training, women’s health care, childbirth injuries Authorizes the President, acting through the Director of NIH/FIC, to provide assistance for least developed countries by:
-establishing fellowship and residency programs at institutions of higher education or learning and elsewhere in least developed countries to support medical students, residents, and others to become knowledgeable and proficient in women’s health care and to allow them to practice and develop expertise in geographical areas in which childbirth-related injuries are most prevalent;
-to establish training centers to address the shortage of OB-GYN and sub-specialists in the urogynecology profession and to carry out specialized programs that are located at health care institutions that have especially high concentrations of related expertise and resources.Requires the President, acting through the Director of NIH/FIC, to establish a comprehensive, integrated 10-year strategy to address the shortage of physicians in least developed countries and outlines the required elements of the strategy, which the President shall submit to Congress not later than two years after enactment; requires the President, acting through the Director of NIH/FIC, to submit to Congress a report on an annual basis on the implementation of this Act.
Preventing Foreign Attempts To Erode Healthcare Innovation Act

To prohibit the use of funds to support a measure at the World Trade Organization waiving intellectual property rights, and for other purposes.

5/18/2021 S. 1683 Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) Read twice and referred to S. Finance TRIPS, WTO, intellectual property rights, COVID-19 vaccines Expresses Sense of Congress that U.S. should continue to promote strong international [sic] property rights internationally and that it is in the national interest of the U.S. to oppose efforts to transfer U.S. intellectual property and technology to China or other countries seeking to profit off U.S. investments; prohibits use of funds to support, allow, or facilitate the negotiation or approval of the TRIPS waiver for the prevention, containment, and treatment of COVID-19 proposed by India and South Africa or any other measure at the WTO to waive intellectual property rights.
Preventing Future Pandemics Act of 2021

To address the public health risks posed by wildlife markets, and for other purposes.

1/4/2021 H.R. 151 Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL-5) Referred to HFAC, H. Energy and Commerce, H. Judiciary, H. Ways and Means, H. Financial Services, H. Natural Resources Global health security, One Health, zoonotic diseases Requires the HHS Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for it to conduct a study on the risk of wildlife markets on the emergency of novel viral pathogens, to be submitted not later than one year after the date of agreement; expresses Sense of Congress that global institutions, including WHO, and others including USAID should promote the paradigm of One Health; states U.S. policy is to facilitate international cooperation to close high risk wildlife markets around that world and to work to develop agreements and protocols to close these markets; allows the President to impose sanctions on any country (or nationals of a country) continuing to license or enable commercial wildlife markets or engaged in certain activities; authorizes FY 2021 – FY 2030 funding for USAID activities related to sustainable food systems; requires the USAID administrator to increase activities related to biodiversity, global health, and resilience, among other things, in order to address the threats and causes of zoonotic disease outbreaks.; requires reporting from the Department of State and USAID describing these efforts.
Preventing Future Pandemics Act of 2021

To address the public health risks posed by wildlife markets, and for other purposes.

1/25/2021 S. 37 Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) Read twice and referred to SFRC Global health security, One Health, zoonotic diseases Requires the HHS Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for it to conduct a study on the risk of wildlife markets on the emergency of novel viral pathogens, to be submitted not later than one year after the date of agreement; expresses Sense of Congress that global institutions, including WHO, and others including USAID should promote the paradigm of One Health; states U.S. policy is to facilitate international cooperation to close high risk wildlife markets around that world and to work to develop agreements and protocols to close these markets; allows the President to impose sanctions on any country (or nationals of a country) continuing to license or enable commercial wildlife markets or engaged in certain activities; authorizes FY 2021 – FY 2030 funding for USAID activities related to sustainable food systems; requires the USAID administrator to increase activities related to biodiversity, global health, and resilience, among other things, in order to address the threats and causes of zoonotic disease outbreaks.; requires reporting from the Department of State and USAID describing these efforts.
Preventing Future Pandemics Act of 2022

To prevent future pandemics, and for other purposes.

 

4/7/2022 S. 4074 Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) Read twice and referred to SFRC Global health security, One Health, zoonotic diseases Requires the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator, with others, to publicly release a list of countries whose governments have expressed a willingness to end the commercial trade in live wildlife and associated markets for human consumption; requires the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to work bilaterally with those governments to establish Global Health Security Zoonoses Plans that outline actions to address novel pathogens of zoonotic origin that have the potential to become epidemics or pandemics; expresses Sense of Congress that global institutions, including WHO, and others including USAID should promote the paradigm of One Health; states U.S. policy is to facilitate international cooperation to lead a resolution, including at the World Health Assembly, outlining the danger to human and animal health from emerging zoonotic infectious diseases, with recommendations for implementing the closure of wildlife markets and the prevention of the commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption; requires the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator, in consultation with the CDC Director and others, to work with partners to carry out activities that, among other things:
-close wildlife markets and prevent associated commercial trade in live wildlife,
-improve regulatory oversight and eliminate practices identified to contribute to zoonotic spillover and emerging pathogens,
-leverage strong United States bilateral relationships to support new and existing collaborations that can serve as regional One Health models,
-strengthen global capacity for prevention, prediction, and detection of novel and existing zoonoses with pandemic potential, and
-support the development of One Health systems, particularly in emerging infectious disease hotspots.
Also authorizes FY 2023 – FY 2032 funding for USAID activities related to sustainable food systems; requires the USAID administrator to increase activities related to conserving biodiversity, global health, and resilience, among other things, in order to address the threats and causes of zoonotic disease outbreaks; requires reporting from the Department of State and USAID describing these efforts.
PREVENT Pandemics Act

To prepare for, and respond to, existing viruses, emerging new threats, and pandemics.

 

3/10/2022 S. 3799 Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably by S. HELP. COVID-19, pandemics Establishes in the legislative branch a National Task Force on the Response of the United States to the COVID–19 Pandemic to examine, assess, and report upon the United States’ preparedness for, and response to, the COVID–19 pandemic, including the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, including efforts to determine the potential causes for the emergence of the SARS–CoV–2 virus, and federal actions to mitigate its spread internationally; members of the Task Force may include those with expertise in global health; the Task Force review may include ) may include assessments relating to international preparedness for and response to COVID–19, and federal decision-making processes related to new global health threats; states that the HHS Secretary, acting through the CDC Director, shall exercise authorities and responsibilities to preserve and improve public health domestically and globally; requires the development and periodic updates to a CDC Strategic Plan and that the Plan identify strategic priorities and objectives related to containing, mitigating, and ending disease outbreaks and enhancing global and domestic public health capacity, capabilities, and preparedness, including public health data, surveillance, workforce, and laboratory capacity and safety.
Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act

To restrict the availability of Federal funds to organizations associated with the abortion industry.
1/28/2021 H.R. 534 Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC-5) Referred to HFAC Abortion, Mexico City policy Codifies the expanded Mexico City policy (rescinded by President Biden in Jan. 2021; see KFF explainer) and expands it to apply more broadly to federal funding made available for purposes outside of the U.S. to 1) any foreign nonprofit organization, foreign nongovernmental organization, foreign multilateral organization, or foreign quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organization that carries out certain activities, and 2) any domestic nonprofit organization or domestic nongovernmental organization that carries out certain activities.
Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act

To restrict the availability of Federal funds to organizations associated with the abortion industry.
1/28/2021 S. 137 Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) Read twice and referred to SFRC Abortion, Mexico City policy Codifies the expanded Mexico City policy (rescinded by President Biden in Jan. 2021; see KFF explainer) and expands it to apply more broadly to federal funding made available for purposes outside of the U.S. to 1) any foreign nonprofit organization, foreign nongovernmental organization, foreign multilateral organization, or foreign quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organization that carries out certain activities, and 2) any domestic nonprofit organization or domestic nongovernmental organization that carries out certain activities.
Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2022

 

To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to implement policies to end preventable maternal, newborn, and child deaths globally.

6/14/2022 H.R. 8057 Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) Referred to HFAC Maternal health, child health Includes statement of  U.S. policy to establish and implement a coordinated, integrated, and comprehensive strategy to end preventable child and maternal deaths and ensure healthy and productive lives; requires the establishment and implementation of a five-year comprehensive strategy to contribute toward the global goal of ending preventable child and maternal deaths by 2030; states the President should designate a Child and Maternal Survival Coordinator and describes their duties; requires an annual report on progress.
Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2021

To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to implement policies to end preventable maternal, newborn, and child deaths globally.

4/29/2021 S. 1451 Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) Read twice and referred to SFRC Maternal health, child health Includes statement of  U.S. policy to establish and implement a coordinated, integrated, and comprehensive strategy to end preventable child and maternal deaths and ensure healthy and productive lives; requires the establishment and implementation of a five-year comprehensive strategy to contribute toward the global goal of ending preventable child and maternal deaths by 2030; states the President should designate a Child and Maternal Survival Coordinator and describes their duties; requires an annual report on progress.
Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act of 2021

To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require a section on reproductive rights in the Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

5/28/2021 H.R. 3576 Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA-5) Referred to HFAC State Dept. annual human rights report, family planning/
reproductive health (FP/RH), maternal mortality, abortion, violence against women
Amends existing law to require annual reporting by the Department of State on human rights to include, among other things: the status of reproductive rights in each country; description of the rates and causes of pregnancy-related injuries and deaths (including deaths due to unsafe abortions), violence against women, and access to family planning; requires that civil society and multilateral organizations’ representatives in the U.S. and countries included in such reporting be consulted with during the preparation of annual reporting.
Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act of 2021

To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require a section on reproductive rights in the Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

5/26/2021 S. 1864 Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Read twice and referred to SFRC State Dept. annual human rights report, family planning/
reproductive health (FP/RH), maternal mortality, abortion, violence against women
Amends existing law to require annual reporting by the Department of State on human rights to include, among other things: the status of reproductive rights in each country; description of the rates and causes of pregnancy-related injuries and deaths (including deaths due to unsafe abortions), violence against women, and access to family planning; requires that civil society and multilateral organizations’ representatives in the U.S. and countries included in such reporting be consulted with during the preparation of annual reporting.
Robust International Response to Pandemic Act

To provide support for a robust global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2/11/2021 H.R. 986 Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL-4) Referred to H. Financial Services COVID-19 Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. Executive Directors at international financial institutions to ensure international financial institution support for a robust international response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, including to oppose the approval or endorsement of any loan, grant, document, or strategy that would lead to a decrease in health care spending or in any other spending that would impede the ability of any country to prevent or contain the spread of, or treat persons who are or may be infected with, the COVID-19 virus.
Securing America From Epidemics Act
(SAFE Act)
To authorize United States participation in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and for other purposes.
3/23/2021 H.R. 2118 Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA-7) Passed House, read twice and referred to SFRC Research & development (R&D), global health security, pandemic, epidemic Authorizes U.S. participation in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI); reports to Congress required to be submitted by the President not later than 180 days after enactment of the Act and to outline planned U.S. contributions to CEPI, the manner and extent to which the U.S. will participate in the governance of CEPI, and how participation in CEPI supports relevant U.S. strategies and programs in health security and biodefense, among other things; authorizes certain appropriated funding to be made available for U.S. contributions to CEPI.
Strategic Competition Act of 2021

To address issues involving the People’s Republic of China.

 

4/15/2021 S. 1169 Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders COVID-19, health cooperation, WHO, global health security, abortion, forced sterilization, debt relief Expresses sense of Congress that the U.S. government should encourage other foreign governments to use the official and scientific names for the COVID-19 pandemic; states U.S. policy is to deepen cooperation between and among the U.S., Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia, including through scientific and health partnerships; expresses sense of Congress that  recent pledge from the first-ever Quad (Australia, India, Japan, U.S.) leaders meeting on March 12, 2021, to respond to the economic and health impacts of COVID-19, including expanding vaccine production and equitable access, further advances cooperation among Quad nations; states it is U.S. policy to stand with the nations of ASEAN as they respond to COVID-19 and support greater cooperation in building capacity to prepare for and respond to pandemics and other public health challenges; states it is U.S. policy to advocate and actively advance Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Assembly, among other bodies; requires report on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic to be submitted by the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the Secretary of State, HHS Secretary, and others, not later than 180 days after enactment; requires strategies that describe how the U.S. will enhance cooperation with Canada, the European Union, NATO, and European partner countries in managing relations with China, including detailing diplomatic efforts to work with them to track and counter Chinese attempts to exert influence across the multilateral system, including at WHO; requires a strategy for countering and limiting Chinese influence in, and access to, the Middle East and North Africa, including efforts to encourage U.S. private sector and public-private partnerships in healthcare technology, among other things; states it is U.S. policy to work with Australia, New Zealand, and Japan to advance shared alliance goals of the Oceania region concerning health, among other things, and to improve the local capacity of the countries of Oceania to address public health challenges and improve global health security; address the imposition of sanctions with respect to systematic rape, coercive abortion, forced sterilization, or involuntary contraceptive implantation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region; addresses reporting related to debt relief via the International Development Association (IDA) for certain countries to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Support for Global Financial Institution Pandemic Response Act of 2021

To support efforts by international financial institutions to provide a robust global response to the COVID–19 pandemic.
1/27/2021 S. 67 Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) Read twice and referred to SFRC COVID-19 Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. Executive Directors at international financial institutions to ensure international financial institution support for a robust international response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, including to oppose the approval or endorsement of any loan, grant, document, or strategy that would lead to a decrease in health care spending or in any other spending that would impede the ability of any country to prevent or contain the spread of, or treat persons who are or may be infected with, the COVID-19 virus.
Support UNFPA Funding Act

To authorize contributions to the United Nations Population Fund, and for other purposes.

6/16/2021 H.R. 3938 Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6) Referred to HFAC UNFPA, family planning/
reproductive health (FP/RH)
Includes statement of U.S. policy regarding financial support for UNFPA as a crucial part of U.S. global health commitment; authorizes appropriations for five years for an annual contribution to UNFPA to support core functions and programs.
Taiwan Policy Act of 2022

To support the security of Taiwan and its right of self-determination, and for other purposes.

06/16/2022 S. 4428 Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Read twice and referred to SFRC Taiwan, global health, WHO States it is U.S. policy to welcome Taiwan’s meaningful participation in important international organizations, including organizations that address global health [note: the Findings section says, “Despite a concerted campaign by the People’s Republic of China to isolate Taiwan from its diplomatic partners and from international organizations, including WHO, Taiwan has emerged as a global leader in the coronavirus global pandemic response, including by donating more than 2,000,000 surgical masks and other medical equipment to the United States.”].
To amend the National Security Act of 1947 to require the President to designate an employee of the National Security Council to be responsible for pandemic prevention and response, and for other purposes. 2/8/2021 S. 290 Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) Read twice and referred to HSGAC Pandemic Requires the President to designate an employee of the National Security Council to be the permanent coordinator for pandemic prevention and response for the federal government, outlines duties, and grants them authority to represent the U.S. in bilateral and multilateral discussions and agreements on relevant matters.
To direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to regain observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Organization, and for other purposes. 2/18/2021 H.R. 1145 Rep. Young Kim (R-CA-39) Passed HFAC (Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote) WHO, Taiwan Directs the Department of State to include additional information in its annual reports concerning Taiwan’s participation at WHO’s World Health Assembly as an observer.
To direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to regain observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Organization, and for other purposes. 3/17/2021 S. 812 Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Became law (P.L. 117-124) WHO, Taiwan Directs the Department of State to include additional information in its annual reports concerning Taiwan’s participation at WHO’s World Health Assembly as an observer.
To prohibit the use of funds to propose amendments to the International Health Regulations, the Global Pandemic Treaty, or any other agreement among World Health Organization member states, and for other purposes. 5/31/2022 H.R. 7927 Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT-2) Referred to HFAC WHO, pandemic preparedness and response, China, COVID-19 Expresses Sense of Congress that absent a United State withdrawal from WHO, the United States should hold WHO accountable and overhaul its operations, including by ensuring China is held accountable for the COVID-19 pandemic and failing to comply with the International Health Regulations (IHRs), ensuring WHO conducts a thorough investigation into that, and ensuring the United States does not relinquish any authorities to WHO that would supersede any new or existing United States authorities; prohibits the use of funds to propose amendments to the IHRs, the Global Pandemic Treaty, or any other agreement among WHO member states that would supersede or otherwise modify authorities under United States law, with the exception of the use of funds that is approved in advance by Congress; prohibits the use of funds to provide contributions to WHO unless and until the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that WHO has completed the actions related to China mentioned above and described the steps WHO is taking to strengthen accountability and its ability to be impartial and objective while improving its transparency and its overall effectiveness.
To prohibit the use of funds to seek membership in the World Health Organization or to provide assessed or voluntary contributions to the World Health Organization. 1/28/2021 H.R. 497 Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19) Referred to HFAC WHO Prohibits the use of federal funds to seek membership by the U.S. in WHO or to provide assessed or voluntary U.S. contributions to WHO until such time as the President certifies that WHO meets certain conditions, including: WHO has adopted meaningful reforms to ensure that humanitarian assistance is not politicized and is to be provided to those with the most need, WHO is not under the control or significant malign influence of the Chinese Communist party, WHO is not involved in a coverup of the Chinese Communist Party’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO grants observer status to Taiwan, WHO does not divert humanitarian or medical supplies to Iran, North Korea, or Syria, and WHO has put in place mechanisms to increase transparency and accountability in its operations and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.
To provide support for international initiatives to provide debt relief to developing countries with unsustainable levels of debt, and for other purposes. 2/1/2022 H.R. 6549 Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) Referred to H. Financial Services Debt relief, COVID-19 pandemic Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State to take certain steps in support of international initiatives to provide debt relief to developing countries with unsustainable levels of debt; requires a periodic report until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic (as determined by WHO) that describes U.S. actions to advance such debt relief, including the transparency and accountability measures established or proposed to ensure that resources freed up by certain debt relief are used for activities that respond to the health, economic, and social effects of the COVID–19 pandemic, climate change resiliency, or help ensure equitable recoveries and growth.
United States Climate Leadership in International Mitigation, Adaptation, and Technology Enhancement Act of 2021
(U.S. CLIMATE Act) 
To restore the United States international leadership on climate change and clean energy, and for other purposes. 
4/19/2021 S. 1201 Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Read twice and referred to SFRC;. ordered to be reported favorably by S. HSGAC Climate change, global health Requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with other relevant agencies, to conduct biennial comprehensive evaluations of present and ongoing disruptions to the global climate system, including the scarcity of global natural resources including fresh water, global food, health, and energy insecurities and conditions that contribute to gender-based violence, among other things; requires these evaluations to be used by the Secretary of State to inform the development and implementation of a climate security strategy, and to develop and implement plans to account for the impacts of climate change on global human health, fresh water, and marginalized groups; states U.S. policy is to ensure that the International Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Security Program (required to be established under the act by the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Administrator of USAID) provide resources to developing countries to support efforts that reduce the vulnerability and increase the resilience capacities of communities to the effects of climate change, including effects on water availability and health and diseases; directs the Secretary of the Treasury to use the influence of the U.S. to ensure that the Green Climate Fund requires country recipients to submit investment plan that describes how adaptation projects will advance public health outcomes, among other things; incorporates the Women and Climate Change Act.
Uyghur Stop Oppressive Sterilizations Act
(Uyghur SOS Act)To address state-sanctioned violence against women in the People’s Republic of China, including rape and torture in detention and forced sterilizations, forced abortions, and other coercive birth restriction policies, particularly in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and for other purposes.
5/18/2021 H.R. 3306 Rep. Vicky Hartzler Referred to HFAC and H. Judiciary Forced sterilization, abortion States U.S. policy is to regard the prevention of genocide and other atrocity crimes as a national interest particularly when those actions target certain groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region through, among other things, forced sterilizations, forced abortions and other coercive birth restrictions policies, and sexual violence and other torture in detention, to raise the issue of state-sanctioned violence against women, including rape, torture, and coercively enforced population control policies in China in all multilateral organizations where the U.S. and China are members, including at the U.N. Security Council, and to consider state-sanctioned violence against women, including forced sterilizations and forced abortions and the systematic use of rape and torture in mass internment camps in the Region as a gross violation of internationally-recognized human rights; expresses the Sense of Congress that all governments, including the U.S., and international organizations, such as the U.N., should call the atrocities perpetuated by the government of China, including forced sterilizations and forced abortions and other sexual violence, as genocide and crimes against humanity and that the U.S. should strongly condemn the intimidation and threats targeting Uyghur and Kazakh women who provide public evidence of sexual violence and forced sterilizations and forced abortions in mass internment camps and the journalist who report these stories; also expresses Sense of Congress that U.N. member states should condemn such atrocities by demanding that China end all forced sterilization, forced abortions, and other state-sanctioned violence against women, among other things; requires the president to submit a strategy for ending atrocity crimes in the Region; requires the Secretary of State to provide all appropriate assistance to women who belong to certain groups and who experienced sexual violence, torture, forced sterilizations and forced abortions in China in order for them to receive needed medical care and psychological support; requires all existing authorities to be used to allow such women to at least temporarily enter the U.S.
Women and Climate Change Act of 2021

To address the disparate impact of climate change on women and support the efforts of women globally to address climate change, and for other purposes.

1/11/2021 H.R. 260 Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) Referred to HFAC, H. Energy & Commerce Climate change, global health, reproductive health Addresses climate change and its effects on women and girls: Establishes the Federal Interagency Working Group on Women and Climate Change within the Department of State and outlines its functions, such as identifying best practices for collecting data on the disparate impact of climate change on women – including in access to comprehensive health care, including reproductive health and rights; requires the Department of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues (GWI) to submit a strategy (and shortly thereafter an implementation plan and budget) to prevent and respond to the effects of climate change on women, including effective action to promote public health; requires the Ambassador-at-Large of GWI to designate a Senior Coordinator for Women and Climate Change; requires the GWI Ambassador and the Senior Coordinator to submit to the appropriate congressional committees an assessment of the human and financial resources necessary to carry out the Act.
Women and Climate Change Act of 2022

To address the disparate impact of climate change on women and support the efforts of women globally to address climate change, and for other purposes.

3/8/2022 S. 3774 Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) Read twice and referred to SFRC Climate change, global health, reproductive health Addresses climate change and its effects on women and girls: Establishes the Federal Interagency Working Group on Women and Climate Change within the Department of State and outlines its functions, such as identifying best practices for collecting data on the disparate impact of climate change on women – including in access to comprehensive health care, including reproductive health and rights; requires the Ambassador-at-Large of the Department of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues (GWI) to designate a Senior Coordinator for Women and Climate Change; requires the Ambassador-at-Large and the Senior Coordinator to submit a strategy (and shortly thereafter for the Senior Coordinator to submit an implementation plan and budget) to prevent and respond to the effects of climate change on women, including effective action to promote public health; requires the GWI Ambassador and the Senior Coordinator to submit to the appropriate congressional committees an assessment of the human and financial resources necessary to carry out the Act.
World Health Organization Accountability Act

To prohibit the availability of United States contributions to the World Health Organization until Congress receives a full report on China and the COVID–19 pandemic, and for other purposes.

1/21/2021 H.R. 374 Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO-3) Referred to HFAC WHO, COVID-19 Prohibits the use of federal funds for U.S. contributions to WHO or U.S. participation in any of the activities of WHO until the Secretary of State and HHS Secretary jointly submit a report to Congress describing the manner and extent to which the handling of the COVID-19 outbreak prior to March 11, 2020, by WHO and China contributed to the emergency of the pandemic.
APPROPRIATIONS BILLS^
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023
(State/Foreign Ops – SFOPS Approps)Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, and for other purposes.
7/1/2022 H.R. 8282 Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) Placed on the Union Calendar Appropriations See KFF summary.
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023
(State/Foreign Ops – SFOPS Approps)Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, and for other purposes.
7/28/2022 S. 4662 Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) Read twice and referred to S. Approps. Appropriations See KFF summary.
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023
(LHHS Approps)Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, and for other purposes.
7/5/2022 H.R. 8295 Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3) Placed on the Union Calendar Appropriations See KFF summary.
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023
(LHHS Approps)Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, and for other purposes.
7/28/2022 S. 4659 Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) Read twice and referred to S. Approps. Appropriations See KFF summary.
COVID Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022

Making emergency supplemental appropriations for coronavirus response and relief for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.

 

3/9/2022 H.R. 7007 Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3) Rule H. Res. 973 passed House. Appropriations, COVID-19, Global Fund, Gavi Provides for an additional $5 billion for certain global COVID-19 response activities at the Department of State and USAID, specifically:

Department of State:
-$15 million, “Diplomatic Programs” to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus; and
-$75 million, “Migration and Refugee Assistance” to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and for humanitarian needs.

USAID:
-$35 million, “Operating Expenses” to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus;
-$4.45 billion for “Global Health Programs” to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus and that funds may be made available as contributions, including to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; and
-$425 million for “International Disaster Assistance” to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and for humanitarian needs.

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022

Making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for providing emergency assistance for the situation in Ukraine, and for other purposes.

4/13/2021 H.R. 2471 Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-8) Became law (P.L. 117-103) Appropriations See KFF summary.
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2022
(State/Foreign Ops – SFOPS Approps)Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes. 
7/6/2021 H.R. 4373 Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) Passed House, received in the Senate, motion to reconsider to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the motion to proceed did not pass Appropriations See KFF summary. Includes the text of the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights (Global HER) Act (H.R. 556), which codifies prohibition of the expanded Mexico City policy (rescinded by President Biden in Jan. 2021, see KFF explainer).

 

 

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2022
(State/Foreign Ops – SFOPS Approps)Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes. 
10/26//2021 S. 3075 Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) Read twice and referred to S. Approps. Appropriations See KFF summary. Includes the text of the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights (Global HER) Act (H.R. 556), which codifies prohibition of the expanded Mexico City policy (rescinded by President Biden in Jan. 2021, see KFF explainer).

 

 

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2022
(FY22 Consolidated Appropriations Act)Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.
7/19/2021 H.R. 4502 Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3) Passed House, received in the Senate Appropriations See KFF summary.
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(LHHS Approps)Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.
10/25/2021 S. 3062 Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) Read twice and referred to S. Approps. Appropriations See KFF summary.
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

To provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 5.

2/24/2021 H.R. 1319 Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY-3) Became law (P.L. 117-2) Appropriations, COVID-19, Global Fund See KFF summary.
NOTES: SFRC means Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. HFAC means the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. H. means House. S. means Senate. SFOPS means Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs. LGBTI means lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex. WHO is the World Health Organization. ASEAN is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. * Other than those that apply to U.S. NGOs receiving certain foreign aid under the Foreign Assistance Act.

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