H.R.401 - No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 401, the "No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act," aims to prohibit the United States from providing assessed and voluntary contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO). The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 14, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill's primary objective is to cease all financial support from the U.S. to the WHO.
The bill states that, regardless of any other existing laws, the U.S. will not provide any assessed or voluntary contributions to the WHO, effective upon the bill's enactment. This would effectively cut off a significant source of funding for the WHO.
The bill is sponsored by Mr. Roy and cosponsored by several other representatives, indicating a level of support within the House.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 401 would result in the United States ceasing all financial contributions to the World Health Organization. This would likely impact the WHO's budget and its ability to carry out global health initiatives.
The WHO might need to seek alternative funding sources or reduce its programs. The U.S.'s influence within the WHO could also diminish.
Other nations may be required to increase their contributions to offset the loss of US funding.
Potential Benefits
- Potential savings for U.S. taxpayers by redirecting funds previously allocated to the WHO.
- Increased U.S. sovereignty and control over its financial resources related to global health initiatives.
- Opportunity for the U.S. to invest in alternative global health organizations or initiatives that align more closely with its priorities.
- Could incentivize reforms within the WHO to improve efficiency and accountability.
- May reduce perceived influence of other nations or entities within the WHO that may not align with U.S. interests.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced U.S. influence in global health policy and decision-making.
- Potential negative impact on global health initiatives, particularly in developing countries, due to decreased funding for the WHO.
- Damage to the U.S.'s reputation as a global leader in public health.
- Reduced access to WHO data and expertise on global health threats.
- Possible duplication of efforts if the U.S. establishes alternative organizations to address the same global health issues.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the U.S. Constitution primarily concerns Congress's power over appropriations, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." Congress has the constitutional authority to decide how federal funds are spent.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. The decision to fund or not fund an international organization falls within the purview of governmental powers related to foreign policy.
However, the potential impact on public health could indirectly relate to the "general Welfare" clause in the Preamble, although this is a broad interpretation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).