Justin we want to thank the panel is for joining us here today and thank the audience were attending or watching online or on he spent and join us upstairs for sandwiches and cokes. Thank you all very much. [applause] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2024] this subcommittee on the coronavirus pandemic will come to order. I want to welcome everyone here today. Without objection, the chair may declare a recess at any time. I now recognize myself, with the purpose of making an opening statement. Today, this subcommittee is holding a hearing to examine the future of the World Health Organization, and our relationship, as the United States, with the w. H. O. The World Health Organization is supposed to be the preeminent organization that governs just that, the worlds health. It played a key role in eradicating smallpox, and significantly reducing the cases of polio around the globe. Yet, when the world was faced with the outbreak of covid19, the pandemic, we saw that the w. H. O. Does not always serve all of its members equally. We saw it is not an organization that serves all of humankind, but instead perhaps an organization that became beholden to, or are trapped in, politics. When it was most essential that the w. H. O. Be able to step up and help everyone, it seems to have bowed to political affiliations over Global Public health. When the w. H. O. Should have been conducting independent investigations into the origins of covid19, and presenting the Global Community with verified information to help keep them safe, we instead saw that they ignored some facts and parroted back statements that came from the Chinese Communist party. We saw the w. H. O. Deny that covid19 was spread via human to human transmission, based entirely on the word of the Chinese Government. The w. H. O. Delayed naming covid19 a Public Health emergency of International Concern. A World Health Organization procedure that, amongst other things, would have allowed for the procurement and distribution of scarce supplies. All because the Chinese Communist party told them to the spread was under control. The w. H. O. Delayed serious measures to counter the global spread of covid19, because the ccp was only worried about their own bottom line. When the w. H. O. Produced a report evaluating the possible origins of covid 19, it became unquestionably evident that the entire report was nothing more than chinese propaganda. Even dr. Fauci was worried about the report stating, there were a lot of restrictions on the abilities of the people who went there, to really take a look. I have some considerable concerns about that. The ccp was so entrenched in influencing the w. H. O. s investigation into the origins of covid, that they even contacted me. With unanimous consent, i wish to submit for the record, an email sent to me by the Chinese Embassy. So, order. This email from the Chinese Embassy is another attempt to interfere with the investigations of covid. The letter stated, we express our grave concern regarding the covid19 origins hearing. We firmly oppose it. This kind of communication and action hardly expresses a clear conscience. The w. H. O. s lack of independent investigation potentially allowed the beginning of the pandemic to be worse, and spread further than it could have been. All in all, still the w. H. O. More influenced by politics and Public Health. Not necessarily their fault. There is no denying it, the w. H. O. Stumbled out of the gate. This subcommittee is as much about looking back, as it is about looking forward and preparing for the future. We must be better prepared when the next pandemic surfaces. And a scientifically focused w. H. O. Is paramount to that. It is evident the w. H. O. Is in need of some reform. So, why not take an opportunity to ask the very people who were in the trenches, how we can help them . Why not ask direct sources what we can do right now, to equip future generations . Should there be an independent body, that is able to conduct oversight . How can the ideal methods of data sharing and development be implemented across the world . What we do know, is that the w. H. O. Needs to be reestablished with raised expectations of transparency, verifiability, and accountability. Accountability amongst its members, as well. Running any public Health Organization in a political manner destroys the organizations credibility. The w. H. O. Needs to police its members and not cower behind bullies. The w. H. O. Should have been in the position to tell the world that china was lying, if they were lying. The fact that it didnt do so, until later, is very telling. Honesty is always nonnegotiable. Especially during a once in a generation Public Health emergency. The w. H. O. Is currently drafting a new pandemic accord and new International Health regulations that will apply to all its members. These changes must ensure american interests are protected. They must not violate international sovereignty, and they must hold china and others accountable. Further, any accord or treaty must be presented to congress for approval. Anything else is fully insufficient, especially in the minds of the American People. Lets use this opportunity to ensure that the w. H. O. Can actually protect the worlds Global Health, and not just the interest of a few of its members. The United States should be setting the Gold Standard in incentivizing best practices. And we should be doing everything we can to force the w. H. O. To listen to american interests. Nothing is more important than Global Public health. Properly forming the w. H. O. Is the first step to that protection. So, there are officials, and providers, can better care for citizens and establish best practices. Not only for here, but perhaps around the world. We are holding this hearing to look at the current circumstances surrounding the w. H. O. , and seeing how we can make it better, and stronger for the future. I look forward to a strong, on topic discussion today, and i would now like to recognize Ranking Member, dr. Louise, for the purpose of making an opening statement. Thank you. I believe, mr. Chairman, that this is the first time we gathered after you made your announcement, so i think it is absolutely appropriate to congratulate you on your decision regarding your retirement, to show you our full, full respect, and full appreciation for the amount of service you have given to our nation. Not just as a policymaker here in congress, but also in your service in our military, and as a physician. As a fellow physician, it will be sad to see you leave, but know you are loved, and know you are very well respected, and our nation appreciates you, 100 . And i will miss working with you, and i think we got a few bills we can get past this year. We must. We must. It has been a while, my friend. You know, and thank you to ambassador song, assistant secretary pace, for your participation today. I must say, mr. Chairman, right now, you probably cant see or feel, but inside, i am like a kid at a candy store. I am really excited to have all three of you here. All three of you have done remarkable work, have led your profession, and have been thought leaders for our nation, and many countries around the globe. So, i want to thank you, personally. I also want to give a special thank you to dr. , because when i was a thirdyear medical student doing my general surgery rotation at the brigham and womens hospital, i actually scrubbed in with dr. When he was a fellow there, and i really need to thank you for your kindness, because despite you looking like you havent slept in seven days, you were still kind, and patient in helping me maneuver around the operating room. So, thank you so much. In the last three years, the world has persevered through a deadly pandemic that has claimed nearly 7 million lives across the globe. Now, as we reflect on the International Response to this Public Health crisis and look to the future, we must do so with a commitment to advancing Global Health security. There is no International Organization as central to this work, as the World Health Organization. Which, has contributed to monumental advancements in Healthcare Access, improvements in Population Health outcomes, and the defeat of deadly diseases, even in the furthest corners of the world. The w. H. O. s continued surveillance of Global Health threats have helped prevent outbreaks of deadly diseases, such as measles from arriving on our shores. The w. H. O. s global vaccination programs have helped contribute to an overall 54 increase in global Life Expectancy in the last 70 years, and put us on track to prevent 51 Million Deaths from measles, and hepatitis b around the world. So, i want to take the time to emphasize now that in our work to prevent and prepare for future pandemics, is not in conflict with enhancing International Cooperation. Instead, our efforts are strengthened and fortified by it. In our last hearing on safety and security, we all agreed that threats to the American Peoples health, do not end at our borders. So, in order for us to ensure our nation is truly prepared for the next pandemic, we must continue to engage with the International Community on work that prevents future threats from reaching our nation. The United States has served as the preeminent leader in Global Health for decades. Now is not the time to see that role to another country, aiming for global influence. No, now is the time to reinforce the United StatesGlobal Health leadership with meaningful reforms to the w. H. O. That promote transparency and strengthen International Cooperation, in the event of future pandemics. Thankfully, after years of leadership under the previous Trump Administration, the Biden Administration has sought to correct course by reengaging not only with the World Health Organization, but our partners around the world, to advance Global Health in our interests abroad. You see, when we become an isolationist nation, we leave a void, that other countries can easily come in and fill, to use Public Health diplomacy as a way of geopolitical dominance. Taking a Lessons Learned approach from the early days of the pandemics, the Biden Administration has pursued reforms to the w. H. O. , and i think we can all get behind reforms that, one, enhance oversight of Member States compliance with International Health regulations, two, develop an Early Warning system for Public Health threats, and three, strengthen investigative capabilities for Public Health emergencies of International Concern. Exactly what we are working on, to strengthen. So, these reforms would not only institute positive changes at the World Health Organization, but they would also enhance pandemic preparedness on a global scale, and therefore reinforce u. S. Influence in international to institutions and norms. In many ways, Global Health is the cornerstone of our diplomatic efforts, and we must continue to find ways that enhance our role in this space on the International Stage. The fact of the matter is, when we leave gaps, our adversaries will fill them. So, now, more than ever, we should work to deepen cooperation with our allies and commit to a collaborative approach to Global Health security that will ultimately counter the Chinese Communist party and deter their influence. Bold investments in Global Health and pandemic prevention made through the consolidated appropriations act, and the American Rescue plan, has set the stage for this work. For example, the American Rescue plan funds bolstering the w. H. O. s covid19 Vaccination Administration efforts helped vaccinate approximately health half of the worlds population for covid19 within a oneyear period. With the u. S. , making vaccines go to key regions of the world, where we compete with the prc for influence. Additionally, the Biden Administration has complemented these investments with forwardlooking policies that advance u. S. Interests abroad. Notably, under President Bidens leadership, the state department established its bureau of Global Health security and diplomacy, with ambassador at large at the helm. Ambassador, i look forward to hearing from you today about how the bureau has integrated Global Health security in our National Security and informed policy priorities and how United States is engaging with w. H. O. To advance that effort. So, there is certainly a great deal of ground to cover in todays discussion and it is my hope that today, we can identify constructive reforms to the w. H. O. That build on the administrations effort to enhance Global Pandemic preparedness as well as forward looking policies that further cement americas leadership in Global Health security. With that, thank you, mr. Chairman, and i yield back. Well, thank you. Our Witnesses Today are ms. Loyce pace, ms. Pace as the assistant secretary of health and Human Services for global affairs. Ambassador john nkengasong, ambassador nkengasong is the u. S. Global a. I. D. S. Coordinator and Senior Bureau official for Global Health security and diplomacy for the department of state. He worked as the w. H. O. Special envoy for africa during the covid19 pandemic. And he is a surgeon, writer, and Public Health researcher, the current administrator of the u. S. Agency for International Development for Global Health, as well as board certified, in general surgery. Pursuant to the committee on oversight and accountability, real 9g, the witnesses will please stand and raise the right hands. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you god . Thank you. Let the record show that the witnesses all answered in the affirmative. This selective subcommittee certainly appreciates you all being here today. And i am sorry we had a delay in this meeting, but we are grateful you are here today, and look forward to your testimony. Let me remind the witnesses, we have read your written statements, and they will appear in full in the hearing. But, please limit your oral statements to five minutes. As a reminder, please press the button on the microphone in front of you so that it is on when you speak, and so that the members can hear you. When you begin to speak, the light in front of you will turn green. After four minutes, the light will turn yellow. When the red light comes on, your five minutes has expired, and we would ask that you please wrap up the statement. I now recognize ms. Pace to give an opening statement. Good afternoon, chairman, Ranking Member ruiz, and members of the subcommittee. Thank you for ensuring that we identify these lessons from the covid19 pandemic to enhance our Public Preparedness and National Security. My office leads u. S. Engagement with w. H. O. , and has been working since the start of the pandemic, on Institutional Reforms that improve transparency and accountability, both