A group of House Republicans, led by Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, has introduced legislation to completely halt U.S. funding for the World Health Organization (WHO). Roy, the policy chair for the conservative House Freedom Caucus, criticizes the WHO as not serving American interests and undeserving of taxpayer dollars, particularly given the current economic challenges faced by many families. He also expresses concern over the WHO's efforts to establish an international pandemic preparedness treaty, viewing it as a move to expand the organization's power and influence.
This initiative echoes previous criticism of the WHO, notably by former President Donald Trump, who temporarily suspended funding to the organization in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision faced opposition from some within the U.S. medical community, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration and scientific data in addressing global health crises. However, some conservatives in Congress have consistently viewed the WHO with skepticism, questioning its effectiveness and alignment with U.S. priorities.
As the largest financial contributor to the WHO, the United States plays a significant role in the organization's operations. Roy's proposed legislation, the "No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act," seeks to terminate all U.S. contributions, including both committed and voluntary funding. In response, a WHO spokesperson underscored the importance of the U.S.-WHO partnership in safeguarding global health security and expressed the organization's commitment to collaborating with the U.S. government.
